Tiger Woods’ son Charlie 15, to play in first USGA event after winning qualifier
Charlie Woods is making more waves.
The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods earned his way into his first United States Golf Association (USGA) championship after he finished first among the qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur at the Eagle Trace Golf Club qualifier in Coral Springs, Florida.
Woods shot a 1-under 71 to make the event despite getting off to a rough start to his round with a bogey and double bogey on his first two holes.
Charlie Woods walks up the 10th hole during a practice round with his dad Tiger Woods for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
But from there, he recorded five birdies to spring to the top of the leaderboard.
He was one of four from his qualifier to make the championship.
“I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16,” Woods said, according to the Associated Press. “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.”
The younger Woods was seen with his dad last week at Pinehurst No. 2 during the U.S. Open, as the two were seen embracing as the 48-year-old practiced for the major where he finished at 7-over and missed the cut.
Tiger Woods (R) of the United States and son Charlie Woods (L) look on from the 18th green during a practice round prior to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort on June 10, 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina.Getty Images
Charlie tried to make his own bid to reach this year’s U.S. Open but shot a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, finishing 61st out of 71 golfers at his qualifier, falling short of competing in North Carolina with his dad.
That came after he failed to qualify for the Cognizant Classic in February.
And though he missed out on reaching two different PGA competitions, Charlie now has a chance to do the same thing his dad did — win the U.S. Junior Amateur at 15 years old.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods of the United States, looks on
during a practice round at Pinehurst No. 2 before the U.S. Open.Getty Images
When Tiger accomplished the feat in 1991, he was — at the time — the youngest golfer to win the event.
Charlie, who helped The Benjamin School win a Florida high school state title last fall, said this USGA event means the world to him.
“The USGA means a lot to me,” he said, according to the AP. “I want to win USGA championships and hopefully one day the U.S. Open.”
This year’s Junior Amateur — with a field of 264 — will take place at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan from July 22-27.
