Why Tiger Woods Won’t Caddie for Son Charlie at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship 2024?
Who’s going to ‘put Charlie Woods in his place’ at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship? Well, one thing is for sure, it’s not going to be his dad, Tiger Woods. Interestingly, the young golfer had qualified for the prestigious event at the Eagle Trace Golf Club qualifier held in Coral Springs. He did so by carding a 1-under 71 to grab one of the 264 spots in the field while securing medalist honors at the same time.
But then, curiosity naturally arises as to why the legend of the game, a golfer who has won 15 major championships, is not helping his own son tee off at the tournament. Is it a case of letting one walk their own path or some other case that puts Woods Sr. in such a position that makes it unable for him to carry the bags for Charlie Woods?
The reason behind Tiger Woods not caddying for Charlie Woods
It’s not that the Hall of Famer isn’t willing to carry the bags for his 15-year-old son, it’s just that he isn’t allowed to. According to the rules followed by the 76th U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, “A player must not use a parent, step-parent, or guardian as a caddie during Qualifying or the Championship proper.” This makes it impossible for Tiger Woods to be his son’s looper. But not to worry. It’s not as if the players aren’t allowed to keep one at all!
As per the regulations set aside by the United States Golf Association, the players in the Qualifying Rounds “may provide his own caddie.” However, if he wishes for the host club, then “he should ask the Official in Charge because sufficient caddies may not be available at the host club.” For the actual event, the golfer can bring his own bagman or “must complete the information as outlined in the Memorandum to Players” to receive one from the Oakland Hills Country Club.
The rule banning parents like Tiger Woods is an exception to the abovementioned regulation. On the off chance that the duo were to break the rule, they will be hit with a penalty as per Model Local Rule H-1.2 in Section 8 of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. The athlete, then, would receive the general penalty (two penalty strokes in stroke play events) for each hole in which their caddies helped. But if they continue using the same looper, then the golfer will be awarded the general penalty for the next hole as well.
This makes it pretty impossible for Tiger Woods to help his son on the course. Moreover, Charlie Woods might also find it unfortunate that his father won’t be there to advise him on the greens as he did at the Last Chance Florida Regional (Boys).
Woods Sr. once successfully caddied for his son Charlie Woods
The teenage golfer was able to emerge victorious at the Last Chance Florida Regional (Boys). He did so while earning a spot at the Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championship. “We take it one shot at a time,” said an ecstatic Woods Jr. while pointing out how his dad “puts me(sic) in my place.” He even divulged how “great” it was to have his father carry the bags for him on the course.
“I’ll talk about the next tee shot,” recounted the 15-year-old of his experience before revealing his Dad’s reply, “He’s like, ‘No. This is the shot we’re going to focus on. Focus up. This is what we’re gonna do.’” Well, the guidance he received back then sure did bear fruit. Benjamin School’s rising sophomore clinched a spot at one of junior golf’s most prestigious tournaments!
