Charlie Woods remains steadfast in his pursuit of a spot on the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team. The 16-year-old, son of Tiger Woods, is tied for second place in the PGA Junior Championship. This was achieved after an outstanding third round, marked by a score of 66 strokes under par, at the Ackerman-Allen course of the Birck Boilermaker golf complex in West Lafayette, Indiana, which was affected by the rain. His overall performance during the week puts him at a total of 202 strokes, 12 under par.
Golfers compete for two direct spots on the Junior Ryder Cup team, which will face the European team from September 23 to 25 at the Nassau Country Club and Bethpage Black, in New York. There is also the possibility of a selection by the captain, although Woods, positioned in 20th place in the American Junior Golf Association rankings, does not seem to be the most likely candidate for that choice.
Woods has never participated in this event.Thursday’s round for Woods was a mix of emotions. He achieved three consecutive birdie streaks and a total of nine birdies, although he also added four bogeys.I had a lot of fun. I had a pretty good chip on the 16th hole, but I just enjoyed being there, having fun, and I hope to have a good chance to win tomorrow.
Charlie Woods
High school student at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, Woods won the AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational in May. Recently, he failed to make the cut at the U.S. Junior Amateur. He has not yet decided which university he will attend. Lunden Esterline leads the PGA Junior Championship at 19-under par, after a third-round score of 66. Esterline, from Andover, Kansas, is committed to Auburn for 2027. Pennson Badgett shares second position with Woods, after registering a 67 on Thursday. Badgett, from Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, is committed to Tennessee for 2026.My round was quite erratic and gave me a heart attack. But nine birdies is pretty good. A couple of three putts, I made some mistakes today, but overall a pretty solid round. A pretty good position heading into tomorrow.
Charlie Woods
