Charlie Woods earned his spot in the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur on Monday, shooting a 3-under 68 in stroke play at Heathrow Country Club in Lake Mary, Florida, before winning a 2-for-1 playoff against Eric Zhao to claim one of five qualifying places. The championship will be held at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, from July 20–25.

The 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods will make his third consecutive appearance in the event, having qualified each year since 2024. He has yet to advance past stroke play in his two prior starts.

Past Results at the U.S. Junior Amateur

Woods missed the cut at Oakland Hills in 2024, posting rounds of 80 and 82. He returned to the event in 2025 at Trinity Forest but again fell short, shooting 81 and 74 and failing to reach the match-play bracket. Tiger Woods attended both tournaments.

Whether Tiger will be present at Saucon Valley remains unclear. Golf Monthly reported that the 50-year-old, a 15-time major champion, continues rehab treatment in Switzerland. Tiger is the only player to have won the U.S. Junior Amateur three consecutive times, claiming titles in 1991, 1992 and 1993.

Qualifying Field

Woods’ 68 left him tied for fifth in the stroke-play portion at Heathrow Country Club. Four players qualified outright: David Kim, Phillip Dunham, Alexander Pendry and Arnold Pouncy. Woods then secured the fifth and final spot by beating Zhao in the playoff.

Recent Form

Charlie Woods arrived at qualifying after a steady run of junior results in 2026. He finished T-28 at the Team TaylorMade Invitational, where he was defending champion, and posted a top-20 finish at the Junior Orange Bowl in January. At the end of 2025, he helped Benjamin School win the Florida Class 1A State Championship, finishing fourth individually after rounds of 72 and 68.

What’s Next

Saucon Valley will give Woods his third straight shot at the U.S. Junior Amateur as he tries to reach the match-play rounds for the first time. The championship begins July 20.