Charlie Woods looks set to follow in Tiger’s footsteps with a career in golf. He has shown plenty of promise in the junior ranks but it remains to be seen if he will end up being as good as his father.
The younger Woods has enjoyed a strong year, entering his first pre-qualifying tournament for a PGA Tour event in February. A few months later, he played in the US Junior Amateur after winning the qualifying event but failed to make the cut.
Charlie wrapped up the year with a second-placed finish alongside his father at the PNC Championship, with the formidable duo losing to Bernhard Langer and his son Jason in a playoff.
The teenager pulled off a brilliant hole-in-one at last weekend’s PNC Championship.
A ‘special’ job at the US Open
Charlie was unable to qualify for the US Open himself but was in attendance to help Tiger prepare for the event. He worked as a swing coach for his dad, who picked Charlie on the basis that he knew more about his game than anyone else.
“I trust him with my swing and my game, he’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone,” said Tiger, who described having his son by his side as a ‘very special’ experience.
“It’s neat for him to see the guys he watches on TV and YouTube. He was very excited to watch Max Homa and Min Woo Lee.”
Telling his dad he was ‘broke’
The highlight of Charlie’s year arrived at the PNC Championship, where he notched the first hole-in-one of his young career. He lit up the second round with a brilliant ace on the par-three fourth hole from a distance of 176 yards.
Tiger was visibly delighted, smiling broadly and hugging his son at the tee, but was quick to remind him of an age-old tradition once the excitement had died down.
“You’re buying a drink for everyone out here,” he said. Charlie, however, was unwilling to oblige and replied: “I’m not buying, I’m broke.”
A worrying Masters moment
Charlie was spotted alongside Tiger at the Masters, where he watched his dad suffer a living nightmare on day three. He suffered his worst ever 18 holes at a major tournament, carding an 82 in his penultimate round.
The next day, Tiger looked exasperated while practicing on the range and turned to Charlie for advice. It was a clear sign of desperation, given that his son was only there to watch rather than working as a swing coach like he did at the US Open.
Tiger’s struggles continued in the final round, with the five-time Masters champion posting a five-over-par 77 and finishing in 60th place.
