ESPN Golf: Charlie Woods Exits U.S. Junior Amateur After Camera Distraction

Charlie Woods, son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, fell short of match play at the U.S. Junior Amateur, held at Saucon Valley in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Stroke Play and Playoff Overview

Charlie posted rounds of 76 and 70 over two courses for a 5-over total, finishing tied for 63rd. He entered a 14-player playoff competing for just two spots to advance to match play.

The Camera Moment

On the par-5 first playoff hole, Charlie's second shot found the rough near the green. As he set up for his third shot, a phone camera click fired during his swing. The resulting flub cost him any birdie opportunity. A visibly frustrated Charlie responded, "Really, dude? I mean, come on."

The incident is a reminder of the heightened scrutiny that follows the Woods name — a distraction environment few junior competitors face.

Who Advanced

Charlie needed a birdie to stay alive but made bogey. Eli Wessel and Hudson Kutchma ultimately advanced by making pars on the second playoff hole, the par-3 fifth.

Stroke play co-medalist honors went to Miles Russell at 6-under 135 — who happens to be Charlie's future teammate at Florida State.

Strokeslab Take

The camera incident grabbed headlines, but the underlying story is Charlie's stroke-play performance: a 5-over total wasn't enough to avoid the playoff grind. His development will be worth tracking through an SG lens as he moves into college golf at FSU.