Top 5 Golfers Whose Children Followed in Their Footsteps
It’s common to see children of professional athletes follow in their parent’s footsteps to pursue the same sport. While some go on to have a great career, even surpassing the success of their parents, while others struggle to live up to the family name. For example, in football, we have the likes of Daniel Maldini, whose father is the popular Paulo Maldini. We also have Rohan Gavaskar in cricket, who succeeded his father, Sunil Gavaskar, a legend of the sport and a household name, especially in the IPL. Golf is no exception, and several professional players have passed the club to their children.
This article examines some legendary golfers whose children chose to pursue the sport professionally. But before we dive right in, check the upcoming IPL betting date here if you are a cricket enthusiast.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers ever. With 15 major championships, 82 PGA Tour wins, and numerous other accolades, he dominated the sport for decades and remains a towering figure.
Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie Woods, is currently following in his father’s footsteps, pursuing golf professionally. Naturally, Charlie got into golfing at a very young age. His first major participation came when he was just 11 years old. He partnered with his father at the 2020 PNC Championship to become the youngest competitor in the tournament’s history.
Since that championship, Charlie has continued to develop his game, competing alongside his father in subsequent PNC Championships and securing multiple junior tournament victories. Interestingly, his father acted as his caddie in some of these tournaments.
In 2024, Charlie took a major step toward professional golf by entering his first pre-qualifying PGA Tour event at the Cognizant Classic, where he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur. While he’s still early in his career, Charlie has been showing signs of rapid development and competitiveness, which has prompted many to conclude that he is well on the way to carving out his own legacy in the sport.
Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus is another household name in the golf world and is considered one of the greatest of all time to play the game. Famously known as “The Golden Bear,” Jack is one of the most decorated golfers in history, with 18 major championships. Throughout his career, which spanned over 25 years, he won 117 professional tournaments.
Jack’s son Gary Nicklaus also took up golfing professionally. Early in his career, he was considered the heir to his father’s golfing legacy, with many referring to him as the next Nicklaus. However, despite Gary’s promising potential, he never quite lived up to the massive expectations set by his father’s legendary career. Of course, had a solid amateur career before turning professional in 1991. But his only significant achievement as a professional golfer came in 2000 when he finished runner-up at the BellSouth Classic.
John Daly
John Daly is another legend of the sport. Throughout his career, he secured 19 professional wins, including five PGA Tour victories and two major championships. He also has three European Tour titles: the Asian, Sunshine, and Korn Ferry. Daly is known specifically for his powerful swing and the ability to drive the ball to immensely long distances. He was the first PGA Tour player to average more than 300 yards per drive over a full season since official performance stats became a thing in 1980.
Daly’s son, John Daly II, is currently following in his father’s footsteps. As a junior golfer, he earned recognition as a Rolex Junior All-American and was one of Florida’s top-ranked young players. He also played golf at the college level with the Arkansas Razorbacks, his father’s alma mater. Currently, Daly Jr. doesn’t have a PGA tour card yet but is working towards it, grinding it out in the lower leagues.
Jay Haas
Jay Haas is another top professional golfer whose son Bill Haas took the sport. Jay enjoyed a 21-year-long and successful career, winning nine PGA Tours and 18 PGA Tour Champions. His contributions to golf have been recognized with prestigious awards like the Payne Stewart Award, Bob Jones Award, and Champions Tour Player of the Year honors.
Following his father’s footsteps, Bill Haas also carved out a solid career, winning six PGA Tour wins and a memorable 2011 FedEx Cup victory. Bill also earned a top-five finish at the 2017 U.S. Open and represented the U.S. in the Presidents Cup, which they won in 2011, 2013, and 2015.
Craig Stadler
Craig Stadler was another dominant force in professional golf. He won 13 PGA Tour titles and nine Champions Tour. He also won other accolades like the 2004 Player of the Year and the Byron Nelson Award for outstanding performances.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Craig Stadler’s son, Kevin Stadler, made history as the first son of a Masters champion to play in the Masters, where he finished eighth. He has also won the European, Asian, Australasian, and Korn Ferry Tours.
In 2014, Kevin got his first and only PGA Tour victory. However, his career took an unfortunate turn when a broken bone in his left hand severely limited his play during the 2014/2015 season. He eventually entered the 2017/2018 PGA Tour season with a Major Medical Extension, which required him to earn 454.420 FedEx Cup points or $717,890 in 26 starts to retain his tour privileges. Unfortunately, he was unable to meet the requirements.
Conclusion
For these legendary golfers above, the love of the game clearly runs in the family. Whether their children reached the same heights or simply carried on the legacy, it’s inspiring to see the next generation pick up the club and follow in their footsteps.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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