Charlie Woods, Cameron Kuchar miss in U.S. Open local qualifying

In a bid to secure a coveted spot in the U.S. Open, some of golf’s notable progenies faced a tough challenge during Thursday’s local qualifying round.

Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of the legendary Tiger Woods, struggled to find his rhythm, carding a 9-over 81 at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Despite showcasing glimpses of talent with a birdie, his round was marred by three double bogeys and four bogeys.

Another hopeful, Cameron Kuchar, son of PGA Tour stalwart Matt Kuchar, failed to replicate his previous success, falling short with an 82. The 17-year-old battled through six bogeys and two doubles, unable to secure a spot in the final stage of qualifying.

However, amidst the disappointment, there were standout performances. Michael Buttacavoli emerged as the medalist with an impressive 3-under 69, showcasing his prowess on the challenging course. Austin Lemieux, son of hockey icon Mario Lemieux, displayed flashes of brilliance with a promising start at 3 under par through seven holes. However, a stumble towards the end saw him finish with a 1-over 73, narrowly missing out on a playoff for the final qualifying spot.

With 109 local qualifying sites spanning from April 22 to May 20, the journey to the U.S. Open is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Final qualifying rounds will be held across 13 sites, including international venues, leading up to the prestigious championship at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina from June 13-16.

Despite their familial ties to golf greatness, both Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar find themselves on uncertain ground. Tiger, a three-time U.S. Open champion, faces the prospect of relying on a special invitation after his exemption from the 2019 Masters expired. Similarly, Matt Kuchar’s path to the tournament remains uncertain, underscoring the unforgiving nature of the qualifying process.