Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of nine-time USGA champion Tiger Woods, has qualified for his first USGA championship. Woods secured his spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur by shooting a 1-under 71 at the Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida. This performance made him one of four players to advance to the championship, which will take place at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, from July 22-28. The initial two days will feature stroke-play qualifying rounds.
“Qualifying for my first USGA championship feels amazing,” Woods said. “I’m thrilled to compete in the U.S. Junior Amateur next month, especially at a place as historic as Oakland Hills.”
Despite a challenging start with a bogey and a double bogey, Woods recovered impressively, making five birdies and only one more bogey throughout the remainder of his round. He was the sole player to finish under par.
“I didn’t start well with those first two holes, but I played really well for the last 16,” Woods commented. “I focused on avoiding further bogeys or double bogeys and capitalized on my birdie opportunities. My putting was particularly strong today, and I made several crucial putts.”
Tiger Woods, who won the U.S. Junior Amateur three times consecutively (1991, 1992, 1993) and held a remarkable 22-1 match play record in the event, reached the semifinals as a 14-year-old in his debut in 1990.