Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, is making waves in the world of junior golf. Recently, he secured a spot in the Notah Begay III National Championship after an impressive performance in the Last Chance Regional.
Charlie shot a remarkable 6-under 66 to win the 14-15 age division of the tournament. What made this victory even more special was the presence of his father, Tiger Woods, who served as his caddie. It was a heartwarming sight to see the Big Cat carrying the bag and walking 18 holes, a sign that he is close to returning to action after his previous injury setbacks.
Speaking about having his dad by his side, Charlie expressed his joy and appreciation, saying, “It’s great. We just stay in our own little world. We take it one shot at a time. He puts me in my place.” This father-son bond and mutual support undoubtedly played a crucial role in Charlie’s success.
Charlie got off to a fantastic start in the tournament, opening his round with three consecutive birdies on holes 1-3. A couple of bogeys on the fifth and seventh holes slowed him down momentarily, but he quickly bounced back with a birdie on the eighth, ending the front nine in 33 strokes.
After the turn, Charlie continued his impressive play, making three consecutive birdies on holes 10-13. However, a bogey on the 16th hole kept his competitor, Kaden Puranik, in contention. It all came down to the final two holes, with Charlie securing victory with a birdie on the 17th and an 8-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, finishing one shot ahead of his nearest rival.
Reflecting on his performance, Charlie acknowledged the challenge of the course and emphasized the need for a low round to come out on top. “You have to go shoot a low round to win this thing, and it’s not going to be given,” he stated. His focused approach of taking it one shot at a time and remaining in the present moment clearly served him well.
This victory at the Last Chance Regional adds to Charlie’s successful summer, as he previously won the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Major Championship at Village Golf Course in Royal Palm Beach, dominating the event with an eight-shot victory.
Charlie’s remarkable achievements have caught the attention of the golfing world, and he will soon have another opportunity to showcase his talent. He will compete alongside other qualifiers in the Notah Begay III National Championship at Koasati Pines at Coushatta Casino Resort in Louisiana from November 4-6.
As Charlie’s golf journey continues to unfold, it is clear that he has inherited his father’s skills and passion for the game. The presence and support of Tiger Woods only further add to the excitement surrounding this young golfer. Golf enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to witness Charlie’s growth and potential in the coming years.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, you can follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough as well.