Page 176 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

SPORTS & OUTDOORS
story by Tommy Snell photo courtesy of U.S. Kids Golf
The U.S. Kids Golf website boasts, “58 Countries, 48 States, One Week.
Our Mission in Action.” Impressive to say the least. Pass Christian’s
Charlie Magee has brought a U.S. Kids Golf World Championship
Trophy to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Starting the final round of the 54-hole championship tied
for the lead with three other 11-year-olds, Magee birdied 1, 4,
and 6 to go out in 33, adding another birdie on 16 to head into
the final two holes tied with Matthew Kharatian of Burbank,
California. Magee etched his name on the trophy when the
phenom birdied 17 while Kharatian playing in the next group
made double bogey.
Magee’s instructor and caddy for the week Cole Baggett was
impressed. “He hit 50 out of 54 greens in regulation,” said
the Oaks Head Golf Professional. He is the 2nd junior from
Mississippi to win a U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. PGA
Tour Player Chad Ramey won the 9-year-ole Division in 2002.
The talented 6th grader at Pass Christian Middle School who
lives on Number 2 of The Oaks made fourteen birdies and four
bogies to finish 10-under in the event that featured 153 junior
boys in the 11-year-old division. Overall, 850 boys competed in
seven divisions while 550 girls teed off in six divisions.
Look out, world! Dad Matt Magee reflected on a crazy year,
“Charlie broke World Number 1 Scottie Scheffler’s scoring
record in 2026 10-11 Division of the Greenville Future Tour
Championship,” beamed dad.
When asked about the meaning of winning a World
Championship, Charlie was succinct and accurate, “Not a lot of
people have done it. I was able to do it. I’m invited back every
year until I’m 18. That’s pretty neat.” Incredibly “neat” indeed.
Charlie gives his dad most of the credit when asked about his
mental game. “My dad told me about the ‘ten steps’ method,”
said Magee. “I walk ten steps and forget about the double
bogey.” Magee is ranked 3rd right now, but as he is quick to
note, “I want to be Number 1.” Go get it, Charlie.
Cole has worked with Charlie every week for five years. Tied
for the lead! Biggest tournament of his life. Baggett noticed
right before they teed off for the final round that Charlie wasn’t
talking. “He is always talking,” said Baggett. “I couldn’t take it
anymore, so I asked him what he was thinking about.”
“I’m thinking about winning, coach.” That’s Charlie.
176 | September 2026 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living