Is Tiger Woods Caddying for Charlie at His AJGA Debut?

In the 2024 season, Charlie Woods has made massive moves to improve his career trajectory. At first, the 15-year-old played in Palm Beach at the pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic to make a run for his first PGA Tour event. However, he scored 16 over 86 and could not qualify. And although his potential pro start had a sad ending, Woods Jr. has not lost his spirit in competition.

Now, a few weeks later, Charlie Woods is eyeing the American Junior Golf Association and will be debuting there at the Will Lowery Junior Championship in a few hours. The youngster was spotted with his father, Tiger Woods, at the North Carolina course. And given that the father and son are out on the course together once more, the big question arises: Will the 15-time major winner be with Charlie every step of the way, on the greens and fairways too?

Is Tiger Woods fit enough to caddy for his son?

Previously, Tiger Woods caddied for Charlie Woods, and the two even won the Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championship qualifier in September 2023 with Woods on the bag. This week, however, that may not be the case, for one simple reason: He perhaps can’t!

Although Woods is present in North Carolina alongside his son for his debut match, the two are likely not to pair up on the greens, considering the 48-year-old has been recovering from a back spasm he suffered at the Genesis Invitational! Hence, lugging around a bag for a weekend is not the best option for the PGA Tour pro. Who could the youngster then turn to?

Last month at the PGA Tour event pre-qualifier, too, Woods Jr. had a different bagman. Charlie had turned to Joseph LaCava Jr., the son of his father’s previous caddie, Joe LaCava. Interestingly, LaCava Jr. had been caddying for the 15-year-old during the PNC Championship (in 2020, 2021, and 2022) when he was playing alongside Tiger.

In 2023, however, it was Woods Jr.’s teammate and friend, Luke Wise, who caddied for him. While this means the youngster has at least 2 options, given that it is his debut at the AJGA—through a surprising and controversial entry—Charlie Woods will more likely opt for experience on the greens and side with LaCava Jr. like he did at the Cognizant Classic pre-qualifier.

How did Charlie Woods find his way onto the field for the AJGA event? 

The AJGA held the qualifier for the Will Lowery Junior Championship on March 21st. However, looking through the leaderboard, Charlie’s name is nowhere in sight, meaning that he did not play the qualifier to compete in the event. So then, how is he playing?

Well, debuting at the Carolina Trace Country Club Lake Course in Sanford, Woods Jr. took the same path as his father did for the Genesis Invitational. The 15-year-old was admitted to the field courtesy of a sponsor exemption he received. Naturally, not all in the golf world were thrilled by the news.

Even though many fans bashed him and trolled him at the way with which he’s competing this week, one thing is certain: Woods Jr. will be playing at the 54-hole event. And for all the fans who believe he doesn’t deserve the spot or not, he has a shot to prove them wrong. Will he be able to, though? Tune in to find out.

Read More: Elin Nordegren’s Gracious Presence for Charlie Leaves Tiger Woods’s Absence Unnoticed at Palm Beaches