The Golf Doctor
Charlie Epps
You may think you know Charlie Epps, the Texas Golf Hall of Famer who coached Ángel Cabrera to two Major Championships. But you don’t know the whole story of how this middle-class kid from Michigan found himself suddenly living in Argentina at age 10, one village away from his future student, friend, and Masters Champion.
As unlikely as Cabrera’s ascension to a two-time Major Champion, Charlie’s journey to guiding Cabrera to those titles could be even more improbable. It all unfolds in Charlie’s new autobiography.
A Lifetime in the Game
Husband, Father, Teacher
Charlie Epps has been a cornerstone of the Houston golf community for more than 50 years. Best known for his work with Argentine Ángel Cabrera, winner of the 2007 U.S. Open and 2009 Masters, Charlie has devoted his life to growing the game and developing players of all levels, especially juniors.
He met his wife, Judy, through golf, and they have been married since 1972. Together, they raised two daughters, Nona and Mimi, both collegiate golfers, and now enjoy four grandchildren.
Charlie spent 15 years as Head Professional at Houston Country Club and six at Pine Forest Country Club. He later served as Director of Golf Marketing at Redstone Country Club, now the Golf Club of Houston. Internationally, he founded and directed the Golf Experience & Education Center at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, and launched the Three Amigos Celebrity Golf Tournament, which benefits young golfers.
In addition to guiding Cabrera to major championships, Charlie coached Blaine McCallister to five PGA Tour victories. His passion for junior golf led him to found the Yellowstone Academy Foundation Golf Tournament and help organize the Dick Harmon Memorial Invitational.
One of the most decorated professionals in Southern Texas PGA history, Epps remains dedicated to teaching and playing the game he loves.
EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 17
Ángel Cabrera
Not surprisingly, Ángel didn’t fare well in his U.S. Open title defense. He shot 79-76 and missed the cut. After the second round, Ángel and I sat down at a long picnic table inside a tent reserved for players and coaches. There were about 20 other people all around us, but it felt like Ángel and I were the only ones there.
It felt like we were alone.
This was another one of those memorable moments. I’ll never forget it, and I doubt Ángel will, either. I leaned in close to Angel and whispered into his ear: “¡Ángel, eres tan bueno que puedes ganar the Masters!”
Translation: “Ángel, you’re so good that you can win the Masters!”
His eyes widened. He replied with one word.
¿Cómo?
He wanted to know how. I kind of did, too. My mind was racing. I had Ángel’s attention like never before. As I sat there thinking, I recalled an occasion when I played golf with Tom Landry, the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach. I remembered asking him, “Coach, how do you get your team ready for Sunday?”
His answer was profound. “You can only play as good on Sunday as you do in practice on Wednesday,” he replied. “Charlie, the key is practicing – that’s how you get ready for Sunday!”
So when Angel asked me how he was going to win the Masters, I looked him in the eyes and said, “Ángel, you have to allow me to help you improve the way you practice.”
He didn’t say a word, but he heard me loud and clear.
"Charlie taught me so much about golf and storytelling. He was to believe in me."
– Jim Nantz, CBS Sports
Charlie Epps: The Journey Man
From Argentina to Augusta:
A Golf Life Well Played
$29.95
Hardcover Edition
This richly detailed autobiography chronicles Charlie’s extraordinary life, career, and deep-rooted values. The narrative follows his journey from humble beginnings in Michigan to the heights of professional golf coaching. It culminates when his friend and student, Argentine Ángel Cabrera, won the 2009 Masters.
Alongside his success in the sport, The Journey Man is equally a heartfelt story about Charlie’s ambition to build and nurture a family, reflecting how the values instilled through golf also shaped his approach to life and parenthood.
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The Golf Digest Teaching Staff
Standing on the Shoulders of those who Shaped the Game
