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Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has qualified for his first USGA championship. Woods shot an even-par 71 at the qualifier held at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida to earn a spot in the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur championship.
The U.S. Junior Amateur will be held July 22-27 at the famed Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. A field of 264 junior golfers younger than 19 will compete, with the top 64 advancing to match play after two rounds of stroke play qualifying.
Charlie started his round on the 10th hole and found himself in an early hole with a bogey and double bogey on his first two holes. But he rebounded well, making birdies on five holes over his final 16 holes to offset another bogey and finish at 71, qualifying medalist. The next three qualifiers behind him were Matthew Marigliano with a 72, Tristan Wieland shooting 73, and Neil Kulkami also at 73.
“I didn’t play great my first two holes, but I played really good for the last 16,” Woods said. “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.”
This will mark Woods' debut in a USGA championship. The U.S. Junior holds special meaning to the Woods family, as Tiger won the prestigious junior tournament three straight times from 1991-1993 during his amateur career. He went on to win the U.S. Amateur four times as well, catapulting him to stardom early in his career.
Charlie Woods will be looking to emulate his father Tiger Woods at the US Junior Amateur. (AP PHOTO)
Oakland Hills also carries historic meaning, as it was the site of Tiger's sole U.S. Amateur victory in 1996 as well as hosting major championships like the 2004 Ryder Cup. Woods will look to follow in his father's footsteps and add his name to the U.S. Junior trophy next month in Michigan.
“The USGA means a lot to me. I want to win USGA championships and hopefully one day the U.S. Open," Charlie Woods said. After clinching his first USGA berth, he is one step closer to starting his own championship legacy.
Read more: Bryson DeChambeau's US Open victory deals major blow to PGA Tour amid LIV Golf war
What challenges does Charlie Woods face compared to his father's era
The junior golf environment is much more competitive now, making it difficult to stand out.
Given his family history, he faces enormous expectations. A young golfer faces great pressure to match his father's successes.
Comparisons to Tiger's and Rory's swings are unavoidable, but they bring an extra level of scrutiny.
Social media magnifies every move, bringing more attention but also criticism.
The professional golf landscape has changed significantly with new tours and events.
Mental health is rightfully a bigger focus, so he has to manage pressure while prioritizing well-being.
Junior development is more structured, requiring adaptation to evolving standards and opportunities.
The stakes could not be higher as he tries to uphold his father's remarkable legacy.
Pressure to perform from fans, media and sponsors is at an all-time high for a teenager.
Sponsorship/endorsement expectations are greater given Tiger's unprecedented success in that arena.
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