Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, has secured his spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship for the first time by winning a USGA qualifier.
Charlie posted the top score with a 1-under 71 at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida, on Wednesday. Out of a field of 85, he was one of the four to advance to the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in July.
Despite a challenging start with a bogey and a double-bogey on his first two holes, Charlie rebounded impressively. He notched five birdies and one bogey over the remaining holes, finishing at 1-under par.
“I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16,” Charlie said, per The Associated Press. “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.”
Tiger Woods, who won the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship three times from 1991-93, was 15—the same age as Charlie—when he claimed his first title as the tournament’s youngest-ever winner.
Charlie, a high school freshman, has often played alongside his father at the PNC Championship and frequently accompanies Tiger during his competitions. He recently joined Tiger at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, assisting during his practice rounds.
Tiger has an impressive record with nine USGA championship titles, including three U.S. Opens, three U.S. Amateur titles, and three U.S. Junior Amateur championships.
“The USGA means a lot to me,” Charlie said on Wednesday. “I want to win USGA championships and hopefully one day the U.S. Open.”
