The Golf Watch

"Hopefully, my best golf is in my 30s"

Out of all of the penned columns from Chaska this week, the one that sticks out in my mind is

Scott Michaux's detailed profile of Augusta native Charles Howell, who recently turned 30. 

Michaux's story goes into great detail about how Howell has not lived up to the high expectations set by the media and his peers 10 years ago when he came out on Tour and how he has moved on. 

Something a little different as Tiger and Paddy dominate the headlines. 

Nobilo: Howell should listen to nobody

Jerry Kelly, one of the nicest guys on Tour, won the Zurich Classic. But arguably the biggest story on Sunday was Charles Howell’s inability to close out the tournament. Ever since his arrival on Tour at the turn of the century, there were high expectations.

He hasn’t blossomed as many would have hoped. And Frank Nobilo had this advice:

If I were Charles Howell right now, I would turn off every radio, every tv set, I would just simply go out and play golf. I wouldn’t read a newspaper. I think it’s really in his head right now. Everyone is telling him how to play golf. The guy has tons of talent…

Charles is ready believe me. He is just so ramped up, he’s like a spring that’s going to explode. I would say listen to nobody. Just play golf. We always critique him—in the print and visual media. We say ‘Charles should do this, Charles should do that.’ Don’t listen to anybody.

Howell signs with Bridgestone

According to E. Michael Johnson of Golf World, Charles Howell III has signed with Bridgestone Golf.  The announcement comes a week after Howell left Callaway Golf.  Howell said, "Over the years I have become familiar with Bridgestone Golf and their history of innovation in golf equipment through Nick Price, whose opinion I really value."  Several industry insiders were expecting Howell to sign a deal with PING, whose clubs he used in college.  Nevertheless, the 2-time PGA Tour winner will help a company that is looking to gain more support and exposure on tour. Notable PGA Tour golfers using Bridgestone equipment include Stuart Appleby, Brandt Snedeker, and Will MacKenzie.   

Howell parts ways with Callaway

According to several reports, Charles Howell III asked to be released from his 7-year endorsement deal with Callaway Golf, which they agreed to.  There is no word as to what kind of equipment the 2-time tour winner will use next year, but industry sources told The Golf Channel's Adam Barr that Howell will test equipment from several manufacturers including PING drivers, which he used in college.