The 123rd edition of the US Open is currently underway at the Los Angeles Country Club North Course, with the biggest names in the sport competing for the top honor. Despite the excitement surrounding the event, the absence of Tiger Woods, who is currently recovering from his ankle surgery, is deeply perceptible. With the 15-time major winner out of action, one individual who is currently commanding the limelight is none other than Woods’ 14-year-old son, Charlie.

Most recently, Charlie has become the talk of the town, thanks to his golfing acumen, which many believe profoundly mirrors his father’s from back in the day. However, the USGA’s attempts to pacify fans deprived of Woods’ heroics with his son’s presence have now struck the wrong chord with the golf community.

Let’s dive in to find out more!

Tiger Woods’ absence remains palpable at US Open despite son Charlie filling in

For this year’s edition, the US Open has returned to the City of Angels for the first time in 75 years! Many of the heavyweights in the event have grown up close to the tournament’s elusive venue, making it all the more special. But, one Californian star that golf fans are greatly missing this year is Tiger Woods.

The golfing great, who grew up in a town around 30 miles from the LACC, has an unparalleled history at the American Open. In his illustrious 25+ years career, Woods has won the major three times in 2000, 2002, and 2008. In fact, his 2000 win at the iconic Pebble Beach came by a whopping 15 strokes, which is the largest margin of victory at the US Open to date! Moreover, he has also scripted several runner-up and top-10 finishes in the event.

It, therefore, shouldn’t come as any surprise that the USGA hoped for Woods’ son, Charlie, to make up for the legend’s absence this year. After all, the 14-year-old’s recent eight-stroke win at the Hurricane Junior Tour’s Major Championship has sent ripples through the golf community. The young prodigy once again won hearts this week after a video of him practicing his swing at LA’s Riviera Country Club came to light on Twitter.

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However, Charlie’s presence at the LACC for the US Open hasn’t been as well received, with many in the golf community dismissing the USGA’s apparent attempt to fill Woods’ shoes with the help of his son.

Fans react to Charlie Woods’ presence at the US Open

After Charlie Woods’ picture from the major surfaced, many have criticized the constant scrutiny he is under on account of being Tiger Woods’ son. “Lol imagine your life being the photographer or the account posting a picture of a famous persons kid…… what is wrong with this world,” wrote one golf fan on Instagram. Meanwhile, another fan on Twitter hoped for the young golfer to have at least a “semi normal life.”

Others on Instagram stressed that Tiger Woods’ presence could never be replicated, with one saying, “US open just isn’t the same without tiger.” “Don’t F’ing care,” wrote another golf enthusiast.

However, a handful of fans were excited to spot Charlie at the event. “Liger on the Prowl,” commented one excited fan. “You misspelled ‘future major champion.‘”

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Do you agree with the golf community’s reaction to Charlie Woods’ presence at the US Open? Do you think that the young golfer will be able to follow in his father’s footsteps down the road? Tell us in the comments!