Charlie Woods struggles in first U.S. Open qualifier

HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 22: Charlie Woods plays a shot during pre-qualifying for The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at Lost Lake Golf Club on February 22, 2024 in Hobe Sound, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

Although Tiger Woods isn’t qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open, the 15-time major champ is expected to receive a special exemption from the USGA. In the meantime, his 15-year-old son tried to earn a spot at Pinehurst in June as well.

Charlie Woods played in his first U.S. Open local qualifier on Thursday in Port St. Lucie, Fl. Facing stiff competition—and a difficult course (74.6 rating, 141 slope)—Woods shot a nine-over-par 81 at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

Woods followed up an opening bogey with a double bogey at the par-5 second. He made the turn in 40 before shooting 41 on the back nine. Overall, Woods carded four bogeys, three doubles, and one birdie on the 195-yard par-3 fifth.

The field of 84 golfers at The Legacy were playing for five spots to advance to sectional qualifying. Michael Buttacavoli, a 36-year-old tour pro, was the leader at three under when Woods finished his round. The 2024 U.S. Open will be contested June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2.

This is the second qualifier Woods has garnered attention for in 2024. In February, he shot 86 in a Monday qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic.

In both cases, Charlie was attempting to qualify at a younger age than even his dad did. Tiger Woods didn’t play in his first PGA Tour event until he was 16 at the 1992 Nissan Open. His first U.S. Open came at Shinnecock in 1995 when he was 19 after winning the 1994 U.S. Amateur.