Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf great Tiger Woods, fell short in a PGA Tour pre-qualifier Thursday after a 12-stroke performance on a par-4 hole, several double bogeys and bizarre behavior by fans who’ve been criticized for overcrowding the teenager 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.
How about we let Charlie Woods develop his game without constant media coverage,” influencer Paige Spiranac posted to X after the event. “Golf is mentally challenging enough without all the added eyeballs on him and pressure.”
Thursday was the first time Woods ever participated in a PGA Tour pre-qualifier, events that are limited to players with a 2 handicap or better. The 15-year-old has a +3 handicap index with the Florida State Golf Association, according to the PGA. Woods last year played the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship with his father as a caddie, and the pair have competed together in the past four PNC Championships, starting when Charlie was 11 years old. Team Woods has never won the competition, but did finish second in 2021. The Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings place Charlie Woods at No. 1,301 and he currently plays on the South Florida Section Junior Tour.
