The little tiger roared amidst the bad weather at the Future Masters. During the Thursday round, adverse weather conditions at the Dothan Country Club disrupted play for many players in the 15–18 age category, with some unable to even start their rounds. Amidst this, a memorable moment unfolded: Charlie Woods’ impressive wedge shot from the sand bunker on the par-3 13th hole.

Charlie Woods’ shot from the greenside bunker evoked memories of his legendary father amongst the audience. The shot bore an uncanny resemblance to Tiger Woods’ famous escape shot from a long fairway bunker at the 2019 WGC—Mexico. And, well, it also highlighted the 15-year-old’s bunker etiquette. Make the sand in the bunker level, knock the sand off your shoes, and exit from the low side – all of which Woods Jr did.

Talking about the pairings of the Future Masters, Charlie Woods teed off alongside the sons of golfing legends. The first was Jacob Immelman, whose father, Trevor Immelman, was the 2008 Masters Champion. This isn’t the first rodeo for Woods Jr and Immelman Jr together. Earlier this year, the young golfers competed at the AJGA’s UNIQLO/Adam Scott Championship.

Carrying the legacy of 2003 Open Champion Ben Curtis, Liam Curtis was a part of the group. The last link was Henry Kuene, whose father, Hank Kuehne, was the champion of the U.S. Amateur Championship and the Telus Quebec Open and Texas Challenge in 2002. That said, was there any particular reason to put all the star kids together in a group?

While talking to the Dothan Eagle, tournament coordinator Angela Wade Turner revealed, “Tee times are usually random.” However, when it came to the sons of PGA Tour players, the pairings fostered familiarity. “We felt like the four PGA players’ sons would be more comfortable being paired together,” she said.

Liam Curtis was the sole golfer from the group of ‘all-star kids’ who finished the first round in the top 10, tying for 4th place with a score of 69. Although Woods Jr. carded a 3-over 73, a few good rounds at the tournament might be just what he needs. Alas, bad weather has not spared the amateur event. Many players could not complete their first round and were scheduled to resume play the next day. However, it did not impact the tee time of the ‘star-studded’ group, who were scheduled to commence their round at 12:36 PM at tee 1.

The Future Masters official site provided an update regarding the second round, noting that afternoon tee times began at 4:00 PM (EST), causing about a 4-hour delay to the original schedule. Just like in the previous round, players who do not complete their round will return at 6:45 AM to finish the same. Those who make the cut, which is set at 104 players plus ties, will advance to the finals.

As for Charlie Woods, the beginning of his PGA Tour dream was not at all dreamy. Starting with a 16-over 86 at the pre-qualifiers of the Cognizant Classic and then a dismal performance at the U.S. Open qualifier, his early attempts were challenging. However, the young golfer devoted his time to the greens and even teed up during his summer break to hone his skills. His dedication is paying off, as he recently qualified for his first USGA event.

Charlie Woods chases his dad’s legacy at US Junior Amateur Championship

The 15-year-old triumphed in the qualifier for the 76th edition of the US Junior Amateur with 1-under-71. The tournament will take place from July 22 to 27 at Oakland Hills in Michigan. Woods Jr didn’t have a good start in the qualifier, as he began with a double bogey but eventually roared back. Regarding his performance, he said, “I didn’t play great my first two holes. But I played really good for the last 16. 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.”

Charlie Woods has the guidance of the GOAT. Tiger Woods qualified for the US Junior Amateur for the first time when he was just a 14-year-old and went on to win the title for 3 consecutive years in 1991, 1992, and 1993. The 48-year-old has had a glorious run at the USGA Championships, repeating a three-peat victory at the U.S. Amateur by winning the title from 1994 to 1996.

When Tiger Woods stepped into the professional realm of golf, he once again clinched the U.S. Open title three times. One can now understand why the USGA granted a special exemption to Woods at this year’s U.S. Open. This might be the reason that Charlie has so much respect for the USGA Championships. In his own words, “The USGA means a lot to me. I want to win USGA Championships and hopefully one day the U.S. Open.”

Well, it seems like the little tiger has started going in the right direction. Will he be able to follow his father’s footsteps toward greatness? Only time will tell.