Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, earned his way into his first USGA championship on Wednesday. Woods achieved the leading score among qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur next month at Oakland Hills.
Despite a challenging start with a bogey and a double bogey at Eagle Trace Golf Club, Woods finished strong with a 1-under 71, becoming the medalist from his qualifier. He was one of four players to qualify from the site.
“I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16. I just told myself not to make any more bogeys or doubles and I took advantage of some nice birdie looks when I had them,” Woods said.
Tiger Woods was 14 when he qualified for his first U.S. Junior, eventually winning the championship a year later at Bay Hill. He is the only player to win the U.S. Junior Amateur three consecutive times.
The U.S. Junior Amateur will be held from July 22-28 at Oakland Hills, in the suburbs of Detroit. Charlie Woods will be among 264 players competing in 36 holes of stroke play on the North and South courses at Oakland Hills, with the top 64 advancing to match play.
Tiger Woods, a nine-time USGA champion, has won three U.S. Junior Amateurs, three U.S. Amateurs, and three U.S. Open titles.
“The USGA means a lot to me,” Charlie Woods said. “I want to win USGA championships and hopefully one day the U.S. Open.”
