Charlie Woods wins US Jr Am qualifier in Florida, set to play his first USGA championship
Charlie Woods won the US Junior Amateur qualifiers to earn a spot in the field of the upcoming USGA event. The 15-year-old competed in the qualifying round of the 2024 US Amateur Jr and topped the leaderboard after shooting a round of 71. He earned a spot in the stellar field of the US Junior Amateur, which is scheduled for next month.
Charlie Woods teed off on the tenth hole at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida, with a bogey followed by a double bogey on the next hole. Although he had a tough start in the qualifying round, the young budding golfer quickly bounced back and shot an impressive five birdies along with a bogey to score a one-over-par 71 to top the leaderboard.
The 2024 US Junior Amateur is scheduled to take place from July 22 to 27 at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. The tournament will be held in two formats. The first two rounds will have a stroke play format, and only the players qualifying for the third round will compete in a match play format.
Fans have their eyes on Charlie Woods as the young golfer gears up for the biggest Amateur Tournament of the year. Interestingly, Charlie's father, Tiger Woods, won the US Junior Amateur during his amateur career. In fact, he won the event for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.
Charlie Woods opens up about his performance at the US Junior Amateur qualifying round
Charlie Woods opened up about his performance at the US Junior Amateur qualifying round in a post-tournament interview. He seemed happy with his gameplay and how he played in the tournament following his tough start with a bogey and double bogey on the first two holes.
Speaking of his performance, Woods Jr. said (via Golf Digest):
“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. Putting was my biggest strength today. I made a lot of putts when I needed to.”
Charlie Woods recently joined his father on the greens of Pinehurst No.2 Golf Course for the US Open. He accompanied Tiger during his practice session. However, the 15-time Major winner had a rough outing and missed the cut after playing two rounds.
Fans often see Charlie Woods and Tiger Woods playing together on the golf course. Woods Jr. frequently joins his father on the course. They have been playing the famous father-son event, the PNC Championship, for a while now and will probably return to play again in 2024. The tournament usually takes place in December.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Charlie Woods has been preparing for big events. Earlier this year, he competed in a pre-qualifying round of the Cognizant Classic, a PGA Tour event, but struggled with his game and did not qualify.