The 14-year-old son of golfing legend Tiger Woods is making waves in the golfing world following his most recent victory. With a golf handicap believed to be around scratch, Charlie Woods added another feather to his cap as he secured a famous school state championship, a feat that even the great Tiger never accomplished.
While Charlie is the one making tournament headlines for the Woods family over the last few months, the entire golfing world is also eagerly awaiting the return of his father to competitive play. And it seems like we will not have to wait too long for that moment, as Tiger announced his participation in the Hero World Challenge later this month, marking his first PGA Tour start since undergoing ankle surgery in the spring.
Tiger, a whopping 82-time Tour winner, has had a long and winding journey to recovery that has been closely watched by his fans and experts alike. After withdrawing from The Masters and undergoing subtalar fusion surgery on his ankle, the 47-year-old has been making steady progress with his rehabilitation, and recent reports suggest that his ankle is almost at 100% and that he has resumed full practice.
While Tiger’s playing time has been limited due to the long-term effects of his 2021 car accident, each step he takes, both figuratively and literally, is met with incredible enthusiasm. As we edge closer to his return at the upcoming Hero World Challenge, the question remains – can the great man complete the fairy-tale comeback that has been almost half a decade in the making? Golf lovers who plan to follow the historic event can also read the detailed review of the best betting sites for golf and keep up to date about Tiger’s return to the course at Cheeky Punter. You can also access the latest odds for the competition and view expert recommendations for the best bookmakers available to place your pre-tournament wagers.
Woods’ enforced inactivity over the past few years has taken a major toll on his standing in the Official World Golf Rankings. Once the undisputed number one golfer in the world, Woods now finds himself ranked 1,307th – a position that reflects just how much the challenges he has faced due to injuries and limited tournament play have impacted his stellar career. Not to mention that the decline in his ranking is in stark contrast to the record 683 weeks he spent at the No. 1 position during his heyday. This year, the golfing icon has taken part in only two tournaments, clearly following a cautious approach to his return to competitive golf. The Genesis tournament in February saw Woods tying for 45th place, followed by a notable appearance at the Masters, where he made the cut after carding rounds of 74-73.
Still, challenges aside, Tiger remains an influential figure in the golfing world. TGR Live Events, in association with the Woods Foundation, recently announced the participation of fellow golfing greats Justin Rose and Lucas Glover in the 20-man field for this year’s Hero World Challenge and suddenly, the competition becomes a pivotal moment for Tiger to gauge his actual form in a very competitive field featuring some of golf’s most famous players.
The Rising Star: Charlie Woods Outdoing the Legend Tiger
Charlie gave an incredible display of his ability recently at the Mission Inn Resort in Florida, where he led The Benjamin School’s boys team to victory in the FHSAA Class A state championship. Across the two-day competition, Charlie shot an excellent 78 in his first round and followed up with a second-round 76 to secure a tie for 26th place in the individual standings. His stellar performance was pivotal in his team’s triumph, marking their fourth state title.
Tiger Woods, despite his unparalleled success in professional golf, never had the opportunity to claim a high school state title since the California Interscholastic Federation never organized an official championship for golf during his high school years. Nevertheless, Tiger’s early-career achievements did include winning the US Junior Amateur tournament at the age of 15, which proved to be a record at the time.
The father and son duo have shared the golf course previously, in the PNC Championship, where professional golfers are able to team up with their family members, and in their debut at the event in 2020, they finished an impressive seventh. Following the prestigious competition, Tiger shared his feelings about playing alongside his son, saying, “I don’t think words can describe it. Just the fact that we were able to have this experience together, Charlie and I, it’s memories for a lifetime.”
Tiger was also seen taking on the role of caddie for his son during the Last Chance Regional. With Dad looking on, Charlie fired a remarkable six-under 66, securing victory in the 14-15 age division of the competition. That victory earned him a coveted spot in the Notah Begay III National Championship, where, despite finishing with a 2-over 215 and tying for 17th out of 38 players in the 14-15 age group, Charlie’s consistency and competitive spirit stood out. His third round, featuring three birdies, mirrored the kind of excellence that fans have come to associate with his father. In addition, many observing Charlie on the golf course noted the striking resemblance between father and son – from their mannerisms to the way they speak – there’s a clear echo of Tiger Woods in Charlie’s approach to the game.
In the combined 14-18 age group, Charlie finished T35 out of a field that included 88 players of various age ranges. That experience, alongside the guidance of his father and the exposure to elite junior golf competitions, has undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a golfer and will hold him in good stead for his bright future. With each swing, putt, and victory, Charlie is carving his path in the sport, keeping the legacy of the Woods family alive and flourishing on the greens.
