Is Charlie Woods’ Junior Players Championship dream slipping away after round two?
August 1, 2025, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: CHARLIE WOODS lines up his putt on the final day of the PGA, Golf Herren Junior Championships on August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette USA - ZUMAw145 20250801_zsp_w145_025 Copyright: xDavidxWegielx
August 1, 2025, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: CHARLIE WOODS lines up his putt on the final day of the PGA, Golf Herren Junior Championships on August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette USA - ZUMAw145 20250801_zsp_w145_025 Copyright: xDavidxWegielx
Chances at the Junior Players Championship seem to be slipping away for 17-year-old Charlie Woods. After a strong opening round, the famed amateur fell down the ranks, carding a 1-over-par 73.
After showing signs of brilliance like his father, golf great Tiger Woods, in round one, Charlie Woods had another eventful round on Saturday at TPC Sawgrass.
Woods registered a 1-over-par 73 on Saturday. After 36 holes, the amateur sits at even par and four strokes off the lead.
December 22, 2024, Orlando, Florida, USA: Charlie Woods tees off the 10th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20241222_fap_w109_027 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
December 22, 2024, Orlando, Florida, USA: Charlie Woods tees off the 10th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20241222_fap_w109_027 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
Woods mixed four birdies with five bogeys. It was a solid start for Woods as he carded back-to-back birdies at the 2nd and 3rd.
However, the bogeys then unraveled, erasing the good work he did.
Making the turn in 36 strokes, Woods opened the back nine with a birdie, again followed by two consecutive bogeys, as recorded on the leaderboard.
With another bogey at the par-5 16th, Woods bounced back with a birdie on the 18th, keeping his title hopes alive.
The 17-year-old finished the day tied for 14th and will have to be at his best on Sunday to overcome the four-stroke deficit.
Fellow amateurs Sam Carraher, Giuseppe Puebla and Dawson Lew all share the lead at four-under.
Conditions at TPC Sawgrass did allow low scoring as Jack Mokris shot the lowest score of the week so far with a six-under 66.
The final round will tee off at 8:10 am Sunday at the iconic Stadium Course.
It would be huge for Woods as he looks to secure his first Junior Players Championship title along with his first NIL deal.
Off-Course momentum: TaylorMade deal arrives amid tournament pressure
Charlie Woods landed his first name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with leading American sports equipment manufacturer, TaylorMade.
"Having TaylorMade in my corner has been great," Woods said, per Golf.com's Jack Hirsh. "They've supported me a lot over the last year, and I'm really excited to officially be part of Team TaylorMade.”
Woods and TaylorMade announced the deal with a series of promotional videos on X.
The youngster’s bag has been dominated by TaylorMade equipment for months.
Now, with the deal, Woods joins elite company in world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, and LPGA star Nelly Korda, who have also partnered with TaylorMade.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar