Woods eliminated from U.S. Junior Amateur after distraction in playoff
A camera click during his backswing on the first playoff hole contributed to a bogey that saw the 17-year-old lose a 14-for-2 contest for a spot in the round of 64.
Charlie Woods, 17, was eliminated from the U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, following a sudden-death playoff that ended in frustration. The 17-year-old, who is committed to Florida State University, required a birdie on the par-5 first hole to advance to the round of 64 matchplay field, but a distraction during his swing disrupted his attempt.
Woods teed off on the 584-yard hole knowing he needed to score under par after the two players ahead of him had done so. His second shot landed short left of the green in the rough. As he prepared for his third shot from approximately 25 yards out, a camera click was heard while he was in his backswing. Woods turned and said, "Really, dude?" before striking the ball.
The shot from the rough did not result in the required birdie opportunity. Woods subsequently failed to chip in for birdie on his fourth shot and missed his par save, resulting in a bogey. This outcome meant he lost the 14-for-2 sudden-death playoff for one of the final two spots in the matchplay bracket.
The result marks Woods’ best performance at the junior championship to date. During the stroke play portion of the tournament, he recorded rounds of 76 and 70 to secure his place in the playoff stage. This performance improved upon his previous appearances, where he shot 82 and 80 in 2024, and 80 and 74 in 2025.
The U.S. Junior Amateur is a prestigious amateur event held at Saucon Valley Country Club, where Woods’ father, Tiger Woods, won three consecutive titles from 1991 to 1993. This tournament represents Woods’ final eligibility for the event, with the next edition scheduled for 2027.
