Charlie Woods Update: How Has He Fared So Far in 2024? Failures, Wins & Other Details Ahead of USGA Debut Explored

Life in the spotlight is hard as it is, and being a 15-year-old teen does not help. Adding the overarching pressure of succeeding to this tricky equation worsens matters, and Charlie Woods has had his fair share of struggles this season. Even though he secured his USGA debut this year, Woods Jr. had to go through hoops of trials to accomplish entry into the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills.

“The USGA means a lot to me. I want to win USGA championships and hopefully the U.S. Open one day,” said the 15-year-old upon entering the Michigan-based event. His first USGA appearance is the first step to fulfilling his long-standing U.S. Open dream. After all, this young golfer has a big legacy to live up to. His father, Tiger Woods, has a total of nine USGA wins to his name: three straight U.S. Junior Amateurs, three straight U.S. Amateurs, and three U.S. Open titles. But how has this year been so far for Woods’s son?

1. When a missed birdie caused trouble for Charlie Woods at the Lost Lake Golf Club

Back in February, Junior Woods failed to qualify for the Cognizant Classic. A series of missed birdies and an abundance of bogeys and double bogeys at the pre-qualifier at Lost Lake Golf Club landed the 15-year-old in territory filled with disappointment. TW’s son carded a 16-over 86, which curbed his chances to appear at the Cognizant Classic, making the start of his year filled with remorse, but he did not give up.

2. When his disappointment spree continued when he failed to qualify for the US Open

Next came Charlie’s attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open. His first try’s trajectory proceeded when he shot a 9-over 81 in the first round. He finished in 61st place in a field of 74 players. The local qualifier only gave the top five amateur finishers and two alternates the chance to advance. But despite being unable to fulfill his US Open dream this year, the 15-year-old attempted to help his struggling father.

3. Charlie Woods takes over as Tiger Woods’s major championships coach

Even though Senior Woods failed to make the cut in two out of his three major championship appearances this season, his son continued to support him through thick and thin. Taking on the 48-year-old legend’s coach’s role, the junior golfer gave him some putting advice, thanks to his experience of closely watching his father’s game through the years.

Talking about having his son alongside him, the 15-time major champion said, “Well, I think having Charlie out here is very special. To have the father-son relationship that we have and to extend it into this part of both of our lives, he’s playing a lot of junior golf, and I’m still playing out here… As far as his responsibilities, they’re the same. I trust him with my swing and my game. He’s seen it more than anyone else in the world. He’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone.”

In the absence of a full-time coach, Charlie Woods perfectly filled the position for his father, if the 48-year-old is to be believed. Learning through watching his father play, the 15-year-old has also made some headway so far.

4. His only respite (thankfully, a big one) as he qualified for the USGA Junior Amateur Championship

In his attempt to match his father’s long list of accomplishments and pave the way for himself, this budding golfer managed to make his way to the U.S. Junior Amateur in Michigan, thanks to his swift recovery at the qualifier, overcoming his initial shortcomings.

Talking about his performance, he said, “I didn’t play great on my first two holes, but I played really well on 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.”

Even though he seems to be struggling to remain consistent until now, one thing is evident: this young cub’s hold on his mental game.

5. The 15-year-old’s happiness was limited as he faced a nightmare at the Future Masters

Charlie Woods’s respite at the Eagle Trace Golf Club was short-lived. His early introduction to the unsteadiness came at the Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament (age group 15–18) in Dothan, Alabama.

Following the wrath of the weather gods, the event was cut down to 36 holes and left Junior Woods with no chance of a weekend revival. He finished tied for 103rd, far behind Ben Shedd, who won the event, and Brantley Moore, who was the runner-up. Out of the two rounds he played, Woods Jr.’s first round fetched him a score of 73, followed by a second and last round of 76, summing up his final score to 149.

All hope is not lost for Charlie Woods. As we step into the second half of the 2024 season, starting with his appearance at Oakland Hills, things might turn in his favor.