His father is well-known in the history of the US Open. Now, on Thursday, Charlie Woods will have a chance to create his own story.
Tiger Woods' teenage son, aged 15, will be participating in an 18-hole local qualifier in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is one of 84 players hoping to secure a spot in the upcoming 124th edition of this major tournament.
The top five finishers at The Legacy Golf and Tennis Club will move on to the second qualifying stage known as ‘Golf’s Longest Day’. This stage will take place at 36-hole events held at 10 US and three international venues in May and June.
Players who advance from this stage will earn a spot at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina on June 13. They will join defending champion Wyndham Clark and the 50 top-ranked players in the world who are already exempt for the third men’s major of the season.
Having participated in four PNC Championships with his father, who has won 82 times on the PGA Tour, the young Woods recently experienced his first taste of Tour qualifying. In February, he competed in a pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic.
Playing at Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida, the teenager faced large crowds and shot a 16-over par 86. Unfortunately, he did not make it to the next stage of the tournament.
The Woods father-son duo walk Augusta National ahead of the Masters earlier this month.
The Woods father-son duo walk Augusta National ahead of the Masters earlier this month.
Woods is among the 10,052 participants trying to qualify for the US Open this year. To be eligible, players must have a handicap of 0.4 or lower or be a professional. Hopefuls come from all 50 states and 70 different countries.
Scottie Scheffler is fitted with his plaid jacket after winning the 2024 RBC Heritage.
Scottie Scheffler is fitted with his plaid jacket after winning the 2024 RBC Heritage.
Aaron Doster/USA Today Sports/Reuters
Related article
Scottie Scheffler has won four out of his last five starts. Many are wondering if he is the most dominant golfer since Tiger Woods in his prime.
The USGA reports that the youngest golfer trying to qualify for Pinehurst is 12-year-old Beck Patrick from Houston, Texas. On the other hand, the oldest contender is 74-year-old Keith Crimp from Washington.
Woods’ father had to skip last year's tournament at Los Angeles Country Club due to his recovery from ankle surgery. This meant he couldn't go for his fourth US Open title.
Back in 2000, the 15-time major winner won his first title at Pebble Beach in a truly dominant manner. He finished a whopping 15 shots ahead of his closest competitor, which still stands as the biggest margin of victory in any of the four men's major championships.
He won two more titles in 2002 and 2008, but not at Pinehurst. In 1999, he finished tied-third, and in 2005, he came in second. Unfortunately, he had to pull out of the 2014 tournament because of a back injury.
Woods celebrates his third US Open victory in 2008.
Woods celebrates his third US Open victory in 2008.
Robert Galbraith/Reuters
Ten years later, the 48-year-old is still facing challenges with his physical health, as the effects of a car accident in 2021 have limited his playing time. Despite this, he managed to qualify for The Masters tournament for the impressive 24th time in a row just last month.
During his 100th round at Augusta National, Woods ended up in 60th place, trailing behind the champion Scottie Scheffler by 27 shots.
Scheffler, the current world No. 1, has been on fire lately with four victories in his last five starts. His level of dominance is reminiscent of Woods during his prime, and many are predicting that he will win his third major title at Pinehurst in June.
Although Woods is not currently listed in the field, there is still a possibility that he could receive a special exemption to compete in the tournament from the USGA.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the upcoming US Open qualifying journey of Charlie Woods, the son of legendary golfer Tiger Woods. It's an exciting moment for Charlie, who has the chance to follow in his father's footsteps and create his own legacy in the sport. The fact that he's only 15 years old is a testament to his talent and determination. It will be fascinating to see how far he goes in this qualifying process and whether he can make it to the main event at Pinehurst.
The article also touches on Tiger Woods' own US Open history, including his three victories and his absence from last year's tournament due to injury. It's a reminder of the highs and lows that even the greatest golfers can experience throughout their careers. Tiger's ongoing physical challenges are a testament to his resilience and his unwavering passion for the game. Despite facing setbacks, he continues to push himself and inspire others.