Tiger Woods’ 15-year-old son Charlie Woods lost a PGA Tour pre-qualifier on Thursday due to a 12-stroke outing on a par-4 hole, many double bogeys, and odd fan conduct that has drawn criticism for crowding the child during his round.
Woods, the son of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, was attempting to qualify for his first PGA Tour event, the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches of Florida Thursday, when he shot 16-over 86.
The performance wasn’t enough to take him to the Classic, but golf fans have focused on the way Woods, who had his own two-man security team, was treated on the course.
Out-of-bounds balls hit by the teenager were chased down by fans looking for souvenirs, the Palm Beach Post reported; spectators followed him closely up the fairway despite attempts from officials to keep them on the cart path; and one fan demanded he sign a copy of “How I Play Golf” by Tiger Woods.
Woods was accompanied on the course by friend and caddie J.J. Kutner and Olin Browne Jr., a mini-tour professional and son of Olin Browne.
Influencer Paige Spiranac wrote on X following the tournament, “How about we let Charlie Woods improve his game without constant media coverage?” “Golf is mentally challenging enough without all the added eyeballs on him and pressure.”
