Charlie Woods Struggles on AJGA Debut and Finishes in a Tie for 32nd

In his inaugural appearance at the Will Lowery Junior Championship organized by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), 15-year-old Charlie Woods faced a challenging outing, finishing with a 21-over-par total and securing a tie for 32nd place.

Reports surfaced suggesting heightened security measures at the event, particularly notable due to Woods’ previous participation in a pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic, where he posted an 86. Allegedly, enthusiastic fans created crowd disturbances as they clamored to follow Woods’ performance.

During the championship’s first round, Woods managed a 78, showcasing three birdies alongside five bogeys and two double-bogeys. Despite his efforts, he found himself in the middle tier of competitors. The second round proved equally demanding, as Woods carded an 81, featuring one birdie, eight bogeys, and a double bogey, resulting in a notable drop down the leaderboard.

Continuing his play into the third round, Woods replicated his earlier 78, ultimately concluding his tournament run in a tie for 32nd position among the 51 participants. Meanwhile, Patmom Malcom secured a comfortable victory, claiming the title with an eight-stroke lead, posting rounds of 69, 70, and 70 for a commendable seven-under-par total.

Despite Woods’ tournament outcome, it’s imperative to acknowledge his early stage in the junior golf circuit. Notably, in 2022, he secured a commanding victory with an eight-shot lead at the Major Championship held at the Village Golf Course. Additionally, his remarkable performance, including a stellar 66 at the Last Chance Regional, not only secured another triumph but also secured his qualification for the prestigious 2023 Notah Begay III Boys’ Jr Golf National Championship, where he concluded with a respectable T17 finish in the Boys 14-15 Division.