Read more: Tiger Woods Reveals Car Crash Scars For First Time At U.S. Junior Amateur
The quest for history fell just short this week as Charlie Woods, son of golf legend Tiger Woods, missed advancing to match play at the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan.
Tough round for Charlie Woods on Oakland Hills South Course. He won’t be around for the U.S. Junior Amateur Match Play.
— Pete Pappas (@PGAPappas) July 23, 2024
Charlie was under a microscope this week. Clearly frustrated with how he’s played. And has to be added pressure with the eyes of enormous galleries watching… pic.twitter.com/041nvGaxA7
Starting the tournament on the formidable North Course dubbed "The Monster", Charlie struggled in the opening round to a 12-over-82. Hopes were still high that he could regain form on day two and make the cut line to advance, however an 10-over 80 in the second round on the South Course meant he would finish outside the top 64 at 22-over for the championship.
While Charlie showed some signs of steadying his game on day two, including an even par start through four holes, a lengthy weather delay seemed to disrupt his rhythm. A triple bogey on the difficult par-4 18th summed up the challenges he faced. Ultimately it was a case of too many mistakes and lost shots to overcome on the storied layout.
As has become expected at these events, Charlie drew a sizable following from admirers hoping to catch a glimpse of the son of the game's biggest star. An estimated 500 fans materialized to watch his Tuesday round, including his ever-present father Tiger who looked on supportively from the gallery.
Tiger Woods watches his son Charlie Woods during the second round of stroke play at the U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Bloomfield Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
At just 15 years old, making the 36-hole cut in a 264-player U.S. Amateur field including many of the top junior talents would have been an impressive feat. While the dream of three-peating his father's Junior Amateur titles will have to wait for another year, Charlie gains valuable experience that will no doubt serve him well going forward in his development.
All eyes now turn to match play, where the country's top 64 juniors will battle it out in a single-elimination format. The Woods name may be absent from contention, but their supporters will be hoping this is just the beginning of Charlie's golf journey, with many more chances to come to emulate his father's legendary status.
How did Charlie Woods feel about his performance
Charlie Woods was noticeably disappointed with his performance in the first round of the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club, shooting a 12-over 82. He covered his face with his cap after shaking hands with his playing partners on the 18th green, most likely disappointed by a round he'd rather forget.
In the second round, Charlie started strong, being 1 over through four holes before a storm interrupted play for over an hour. Upon resuming, he struggled, finishing the front nine with a total of 8 over, including a triple bogey on the par-4 18th hole. His total of 22 over par across two rounds was not enough to make the cut, which required being among the low 64 scorers from a field of 264 players.
Despite his unhappiness, Charlie, 15, was lauded by his playing companions Chase Kyes and Davis Ovard for his golf skill and mental toughness in dealing with the great pressure around him. Kyes stated that Charlie had "all the talent in the world" and simply had a bad day.
