Sports
Charlie Haack: A Late Starter with Natural Skill on the Green
Charlie Haack started playing golf just 3 years ago, but has managed to swing his way into the top position on the North Oconee High School golf team.
It would only seem natural for the son of a collegiate men’s golf coach to grow up on the green with a set of clubs over his shoulder.
However, that was not the case for Charlie Haack, a junior at and son of Chris Haack, the men’s golf coach at the University of Georgia.
“I didn’t actually start playing until the day before tryouts of my freshman year,” Charlie said. “My father never pushed me to play. Now he’ll give me tips, but pretty much lets me do my own thing.”
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The late start would come as a surprise to most spectators as Charlie has swung his way to playing the #1 position on the varsity team.
As the season carries on, Charlie continues to lead the team playing in tournaments and regularly winning matches as the only returning varsity player.
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While some athletes thrive off of the involvement of teamwork, Charlie said he loves that the game of golf is simply “you versus the course.” He added that the only things affecting the outcome are the player and the course, nothing else.
Despite his obvious innate skill for the game, for now, Charlie doesn’t have plans to continue past high school and play for his father at UGA.
“If the right opportunity comes along I might play for a smaller school,” Charlie said, “but right now I just plan to attend UGA as a regular student.”