Fifteen-year-old Charlie Woods, the son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming U.S. Junior Amateur championship after emerging as the leading qualifier in the recent qualifiers at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida. Despite a challenging start with a bogey-double, bogey, Charlie managed to finish strong with a commendable 1-under 71, earning him the medalist title from his qualifier along with three other players.
“I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16,” Charlie Woods remarked. “I just told myself not to make any more bogeys or doubles and I took advantage of some nice birdie looks when I had them.”
Tiger Woods himself was 14 when he qualified for his first U.S. Junior and eventually reached the semifinals. He secured his first U.S. Junior Amateur title a year later at Bay Hill and holds the distinction of being the only player to win the U.S. Junior three consecutive times. Notably, players must be under 19 before the championship concludes in order to participate.
The U.S. Junior Amateur is scheduled to take place from July 22 to 28 at Oakland Hills in the suburbs of Detroit, showcasing Charlie Woods among 264 players who will compete in 36 holes of stroke play on the North and South courses at Oakland Hills. The top 64 players will then advance to match play, marking a significant milestone in Charlie’s budding golf career.
Tiger Woods, a nine-time USGA champion, is known for his impressive record, having secured three straight U.S. Junior Amateurs, three consecutive U.S. Amateurs, and three U.S. Open titles.
“The USGA means a lot to me,” Charlie Woods expressed. “I want to win USGA championships and hopefully one day the U.S. Open.”
Charlie’s remarkable performance marks a significant step in his pursuit of following in his father’s footsteps and making a name for himself in the world of golf. With Tiger Woods as his mentor and role model, it comes as no surprise that Charlie is already showing immense promise at such a young age. As he prepares to compete in the prestigious U.S. Junior Amateur, all eyes will undoubtedly be on this young talent, with high hopes and expectations for a bright future in the sport.