Charlie Woods Qualifies For U.S. Junior Amateur, Intends To Win In USGA Debut

Charlie Woods, son of golfing legend Tiger Woods, qualified for his first USGA Tournament on Wednesday. The 15-year-old had the best qualifying score ahead of the U.S. Junior Amateur next month.

“I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16,” Woods told reporters. “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.”

Woods has been in the public eye since his earliest days playing golf. At the 2024 Masters, he served as his father’s swing coach, likely an honorary title but a lofty one for the young man. As the son of one of the sport’s legends, he has remained in the back of fans’ minds for a long time as he makes his way through the amateur levels of the sport. At 15, he seems to be well on his way.

On Wednesday at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida, Woods overcame a rocky start to finish 1-under 71 and qualify for his first Junior Amateur. Tiger Woods qualified for his first Junior Amateur at 14 and went on to win the event three times before turning 19. 

The U.S. Junior Amateur has produced countless PGA players since it was first held in 1948. Tiger Woods stands out as the only three-time winner, but Jordan Spieth won the event twice in 2009 and 2011, while Scottie Scheffler won in 2013.

For Charlie, winning an event of this caliber should not necessarily be the expectation, though he has stated that that is his intention. His USGA debut will likely represent another step on a path that many fans hope will lead to a highly successful career in the sport. These are very early days yet.