Charl Schwartzel was born on August 31st, 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He had a very good junior amateur career. He represented his country in the 2002 Eisenhower Trophy. He turned pro later that year and earnt his place on the European Tour later that year through Q-School.

He became the third ever youngest player to earn a place on the European Tour and the second youngest South African. He came T3 on just his third start and topped the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit two years running. He won his first tour event at the 2005 Dunhill Championship.