Charlie Woods failed attempt and Tiger Woods Uncertainty over US Open 2024

Charlie Woods, the son of golf legend Tiger Woods, recently took a swing at qualifying for the U.S. Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf. Competing at an 18-hole local qualifying event held at the Legacy Golf and Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Charlie faced stiff competition alongside 83 other players. This Thursday event was just one of 109 held across the country, highlighting the rigorous path to U.S. Open qualification.

Despite his efforts, Charlie fell short of advancing to the next round after shooting a 9-over-par 81. His round included four bogeys, three double-bogeys, and a single birdie at the par-3 fifth hole, placing him towards the bottom of the leaderboard. U.S. Open qualification is notoriously competitive, with only a small percentage of players making it through to the final round. Last year, just 7.3% of the 878 golfers who reached the sectional qualifying rounds secured a spot at the U.S. Open.

Only the top five finishers of the qualifying events move on to the next round, which will culminate in “Golf’s Longest Day” on June 3rd. This day sees qualifiers held simultaneously at nine locations across the U.S., with players competing in grueling 36-hole tournaments. The U.S. Open itself will take place at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina on June 13-16.

Charlie Woods, at just 15 years old, has already dipped his toes into the world of Tour qualifiers. His first attempt was at the Cognizant Classic in February, where he fell short after shooting a 16-over-par 86. He also has experience competing alongside his father at four PNC Championships, an unofficial team event on the PGA Tour Champions.

Despite his youth, Charlie wasn’t the youngest entrant at the tournament. That honor went to 12-year-old Beck Patrick, an amateur from Houston, Texas.

As for Charlie’s next steps, it remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the appearance of his father, Tiger Woods, at the upcoming U.S. Open is uncertain. As a three-time U.S. Open winner and 15-time Major champion, Tiger doesn’t have an exemption into this year’s event. This marks the first time since the 1996 PGA Championship that he wouldn’t be exempted for a major championship, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming tournament.