Charlie Woods, who assisted his father at the 124th U.S. Open last week, has now qualified for a highly-regarded USGA event. He shot 71 in a qualifier at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida, and will be participating in his first U.S. Junior Amateur tournament.
Despite starting poorly with a 3-over score through two holes, Woods managed to make an impressive comeback and finished as the only golfer to end the qualifier under par, earning him the medalist honors. Along the way, he scored five birdies which contributed to his remarkable performance.
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“I didn’t start off great in my first two holes, but I managed to play exceptionally well for the remaining 16,” he explained. “I reminded myself to avoid making any more bogeys or doubles, and whenever I had the opportunity, I capitalized on some fantastic birdie chances. My biggest asset today was my putting game. I was able to sink numerous putts when it mattered the most.”
Fifteen-year-old Woods is set to compete in the upcoming U.S. Junior Am tournament at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan from July 22-27. This tournament is one of the 17 USGA championships taking place in 2024.
“I am thrilled to have qualified for my first USGA championship,” he expressed. “The thought of competing in the U.S. Junior Amateur next month is exhilarating, especially since it will be held at a place as rich in history as Oakland Hills.”
Among the 264 golfers participating in the event, Woods is set to play two rounds of stroke play at Oakland Hills on both the South Course and North Course. This prestigious venue has been home to various renowned golf tournaments, including six U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, two U.S. Amateurs, and a Ryder Cup. Following the two rounds of stroke play, the top 64 players will advance to match play, which will take place solely on the championship South Course for the remaining four days of the event.
Charlie is taking after Tiger’s lead when it comes to participating in the U.S. Junior Am. At the age of 14, Tiger competed in his first Junior Am in 1990, where he made it to the semifinals held at Lake Merced. He went on to win the event three consecutive times from 1991 to 1993, triumphing at Bay Hill, Wollaston, and Waverley Country Club. Throughout his four appearances, Tiger achieved an impressive match play record of 22-1.
Jordan Spieth and Tiger are the only two golfers to have won multiple U.S. Junior Ams. The PGA Tour has seen several recent winners of this tournament, including Brian Harman, Scottie Scheffler, Will Zalatoris, Min Woo Lee, and Nick Dunlap.
Tiger’s remarkable golfing journey continued after winning three U.S. Junior Amateurs, as he went on to achieve a historic feat of winning three consecutive U.S. Amateurs from 1994 to 1996. It is worth noting that no other player has managed to achieve this feat to date.
The winner of the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament will receive an exemption to participate in the 2025 U.S. Open, which will take place at Oakmont Country Club.
