Charlie Woods Qualifies for Second U.S. Junior Amateur
Charlie Woods is headed back to the U.S. Junior Amateur.
The 16-year-old son of Tiger Woods secured his spot in dramatic fashion Thursday, winning a 3-for-1 playoff at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida. Woods shot a 1-under 71, finishing bogey-birdie-bogey in regulation to land in the playoff with Oscar Crowe and Matthew Marigliano for the final qualifying position.
This marks Woods’ second straight appearance in the prestigious championship, which will be played July 21-26 at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.
Arth Sinha earned medalist honors at the qualifier, with Lucas Gimenez, Sohan Patel and Wylie Inman also advancing.
Woods’ game has taken a significant leap since his USGA debut last year. At Oakland Hills in 2023, he medaled in qualifying but struggled in the championship proper, shooting 22-over 162 to tie for 240th in the 264-player field and miss the match-play cut.
What’s different now is Woods’ rapidly rising stock in junior golf. He’s currently ranked No. 17 in the AJGA rankings and sits fourth among players in the Class of 2027. His breakthrough came last month with his first AJGA invitational victory at the Team TaylorMade Invitational at Streamsong Resort’s Black Course.
The timing couldn’t be better for Woods, who’s also tied for 10th in the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup standings. The six-player boys team that will compete before the Ryder Cup at Bethpage will include the U.S. Junior champion, Junior PGA winner and runner-up, the top two points earners, and a captain’s pick.
College coaches are likely taking notice too. As of June 15, Woods became eligible to officially communicate with college programs. Given his pedigree and recent results, he’s expected to draw significant interest from Power-4 schools as a rising junior at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida.
