Tiger Woods will be in gallery to watch son play at Oakland Hills; admission is free

Tiger Woods to Watch Son at U.S. Junior Amateur; Free Admission for Fans

DETROIT – A high-profile spectator is set to make a splash at next week’s U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills. Tiger Woods, a legendary figure in golf, will be on hand to watch his 15-year-old son, Charlie, compete in the prestigious tournament. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has confirmed Woods’ presence, although his attendance was widely anticipated.

 

According to a USGA spokesperson, Tiger Woods is expected to arrive in Metro Detroit after completing his participation in the British Open at Royal Troon, Scotland. Woods, who had a challenging start with an 8-over 79 in the first round, is likely to be finished with the tournament by Friday. In contrast, Charlie Woods has already made headlines by securing his spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur through a standout performance in a qualifier held on June 19 in Florida. Despite a shaky start with a bogey and a double-bogey, Charlie rallied to finish with a 1-under 71, earning him the medalist honors.

 

This event marks a significant milestone for Charlie Woods, as it represents the biggest tournament of his young golfing career. While he has previously competed in the father-son PGA Tour event, this will be his debut in a USGA championship. Tiger Woods, a three-time winner of the U.S. Junior Amateur and a renowned figure in the golfing world with 15 major victories, will be there to support his son. Despite his limited playing schedule these days, Woods has made time for his son’s burgeoning career.

 

Although Tiger has previously caddied for Charlie, he will not be able to do so at Oakland Hills due to USGA regulations prohibiting parents from caddying in the U.S. Junior Amateur. Charlie is scheduled for practice rounds on both the South and North Courses of Oakland Hills on Saturday and Sunday, with his tournament rounds set to begin on Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon.

 

Fans will have the opportunity to watch the tournament free of charge, including parking, which is expected to attract large crowds, especially with Woods in attendance. In anticipation of the increased interest, club officials have ordered additional branded merchandise.

 

Tiger Woods’ last official golf appearance in Michigan was at the 2009 Buick Open, where he claimed his third title. The U.S. Junior Amateur will feature two days of stroke play on Monday and Tuesday, with the top 64 scores advancing to match play. The championship match is scheduled for Saturday, July 27.

 

Also competing in the tournament is Miles Russell, a 15-year-old from Florida who recently made his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Two local players, Connor Fox from Lake Orion and Ieuan Jones from Ann Arbor, are also in the field. The U.S. Junior Amateur is the first of several high-profile USGA championships to be hosted by Oakland Hills, which has recently renovated its South Course and is building a new clubhouse following a fire in 2022. The club will also host two U.S. Opens and two U.S. Women’s Opens in the coming years.