Full Breakdown
Charlie Woods’ Run Ends in U.S. Junior Amateur Playoff
7/23/2026, 9:56:22 PM
Core Event: Playoff Elimination
Charlie Woods, the 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods, was knocked out of the U.S. Junior Amateur after bogeying the first hole of a 14-player, two-spot playoff at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Playing the par-5 first hole, Woods hit his second shot into the left rough and, on his third swing, was distracted by the clicking of a phone camera. He muttered an irritated remark and failed to convert a 35-foot chip, resulting in a bogey that ended his bid for match-play qualification. Eli Wessel and Hudson Kutchma advanced by making pars on the subsequent hole, while China’s Zilin Gao was eliminated.
Background & Recent Performance
Woods entered the tournament as a Florida State commit and was ranked 174th in the AJGA standings. Over two rounds of stroke play he posted scores of 76 and 70, leaving him five over par and tied for 63rd after the second round. The week marked a notable improvement from his earlier results—82-80 in 2024 and 80-74 the prior year. His performance earned him a spot in the playoff despite not reaching the match-play field.
Data & Statistics
- AJGA ranking: 174th.
- Stroke-play total: 5-over (76 + 70).
- Playoff field: 14 players competing for two match-play berths.
- Only three of the 14 competitors birdied the first playoff hole.
- Co-medalist of stroke play: Miles Russell, 6-under 135.
Impact and Upcoming Match Play
Woods’ elimination sets up a Round of 64 matchup against top-ranked junior Miles Russell, who is already playing on the Old Course. The loss ends Woods’ “Heckuva run” after two strong years but leaves him with a chance to test himself against the tournament’s leading competitor in the next round. His experience at Saucon Valley, including the unusual camera-click distraction, will likely inform his preparation for future junior events and his upcoming collegiate career at Florida State.
