Charlie Woods is quickly carving out his own legacy. The 16-year-old son of golf icon Tiger Woods delivered an impressive performance at the 49th Junior PGA Championships, finishing tied for ninth at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana.
A Strong Week for Golf’s Next Generation Woods
After a scorching third-round 66 that vaulted him into a tie for second at 12-under, Woods entered Friday’s final round donning his father’s iconic Sunday red and black, USA Today reported. While a late-round surge didn’t materialize, his four-day total of 9-under 276 was good enough for a top-10 finish. His best result yet in a high-profile junior tournament.
Lunden Esterline Runs Away With It, But Charlie Holds His Own
The championship belonged to Kansas standout Lunden Esterline, who finished at a staggering 19-under to secure the title. Florida’s Giuseppe Puebla and Tyler Mawhinney tied for second at 13-under, while a trio of players, Ayden Fynaut, Zenghao Hou, and Pennson Badgett, finished one stroke back at 12-under.
Woods, despite a final-round 3-over 74, showcased poise and maturity throughout the tournament. His third-round fireworks briefly put him in contention, but Friday’s uneven play prevented him from securing an automatic spot on the Junior Ryder Cup team. With a current ranking of No. 20 in the American Junior Golf Association standings, a captain’s pick remains a long shot.
More Than Just a Name
While expectations will always follow a Woods, Charlie continues to show he’s more than just Tiger’s son. His play at the Junior PGA Championships demonstrated the kind of grit and competitive edge his father was known for, especially during Thursday’s charge into the top five.
With more high-level experience and continued development, Charlie’s path toward elite amateur, and possibly professional, golf is just beginning.
Charlie Woods Struggles in Final Round at Junior PGA. Here’s His Final Score first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 1, 2025
