It was always going to be a struggle for Charlie Woods to progress in the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur.

Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, faced a daunting task at the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, struggling to make the cut after a disappointing opening round. Despite his best efforts, Charlie shot a 22-over par total, failing to advance to the match play stage of the tournament.

 

The young golfer’s journey began with a promising start, earning his spot in the 264-player field by shooting a 1-under par in a qualifier last month. However, his first round at the North Course at Oakland Hills proved to be a challenge, as he carded a 12-over par 82. With the projected cut set at 4-over par, Charlie needed to produce a remarkable turnaround in the second round to stay in contention.

 

Supported by his father Tiger, who drew a significant gallery of his own, Charlie showed resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His second round got off to a solid start, with the teenager playing 1-over par through the first four holes. However, a storm interruption of over an hour seemed to disrupt his momentum, as he played the remaining five holes on the front nine in 8-over par. A triple bogey on the par-4 18th, where two greenside pitches rolled back to his feet, proved to be a costly mistake.

 

Despite this setback, Charlie showed glimpses of his potential on the back nine, playing six holes in 1-under par. However, bogeys at the 7th and 9th holes meant that he ultimately signed for a 10-over par 80, leaving him on 22-over par after 36 holes.

 

Throughout the tournament, Tiger Woods was seen following his son, his expression largely neutral regardless of Charlie’s shots. The tournament, which usually attracts fans towards the end of the competition, drew large crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the young golfer and his famous father. Hundreds of people walked behind Charlie on the fairway, including police officers, a testament to the enduring popularity of the Woods family in the golfing world.

 

Charlie’s participation in the tournament marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning golfing career. As he prepares to begin his sophomore year of high school in Florida, the teenager has already experienced his fair share of challenges and attention. In past tournaments, Charlie has faced appalling behavior from spectators, including fans ignoring requests from tournament officials to give him more space on the fairways.

 

In contrast, Tiger Woods’ presence at the tournament was a heartwarming display of paternal support. The golf legend, who was 14 when he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur and went on to win the tournament three times in a row, was seen watching his son with pride. His rapid departure from the 2024 Open at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut, allowed him to join Charlie for his practice round and offer valuable guidance and encouragement.

 

Tiger’s own remarkable comeback from a near-fatal car crash in February 2021 has been well-documented, and his appearance at the tournament without a protective sleeve on his right leg was a significant milestone. The horrifying scar on his leg serves as a testament to his resilience and determination, making his continued involvement in golf all the more inspiring.