By Sunday 
It’s never easy living in the shadow of one of golf’s greatest players, but 16-year-old Charlie Woods continues to carve out his own path—gritty, steady, and still full of potential. The son of 15-time Major winner Tiger Woods showed progress at this year’s U.S. Open Local Qualifying, even though he fell short of making it to the next stage.
A Solid Step Forward at Wellington
Competing at Wellington Golf Club in Florida, Charlie posted a three-over-par 75, a respectable score in the heat of regional qualifiers. But with the bar set high—a 68 or better was needed to advance—he missed the cut by seven shots.
Though that sounds like a steep gap, let’s put things in perspective: last year, Charlie shot a nine-over 81 at a similar qualifier. So this year’s result is, in golf terms, a step in the right direction.
A Busy 2024 Season for the Young Woods
Charlie’s not exactly taking a quiet stroll through junior golf. In 2024, he qualified for his first U.S. Junior Amateur Championship—a major milestone in any young golfer’s career. Although he didn’t make it past stroke play (he shot 22-over for 36 holes), just getting there is an accomplishment.
Earlier in the year, he also teed it up at the prestigious Sage Valley Junior Invitational, where he logged rounds of 78, 73, 73, and 75 to finish T25 at 11-over-par. Sure, that put him 20 strokes behind winner Miles Russell, the current top-ranked AJGA player, but again—it’s all part of the grind.
The PNC Championship: Will Team Woods Return?
One of the most heartwarming traditions in golf has been watching Charlie and Tiger team up at the PNC Championship, where major champions play with a family member. The duo has played five times together and even had a runner-up finish last year, losing in a playoff to Team Langer.
Charlie’s also had his moments—his first career hole-in-one came during the 2024 edition of the PNC, a memory surely neither father nor son will forget.
But this December’s event could be up in the air. Tiger underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon back in March. With nine months between surgery and tournament week, and carts allowed, there’s a decent chance they could play—but no guarantees just yet.
What’s Next for Charlie?
With three more years of eligibility left in the U.S. Junior Amateur circuit, time is still very much on Charlie’s side. His game is improving, he’s getting valuable experience at elite-level junior events, and perhaps most importantly—he seems to be enjoying the ride.
In a world where the pressure to live up to a famous last name could weigh anyone down, Charlie Woods is keeping his head down and grinding forward. Missed cut or not, that’s something worth cheering for.
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