There is perhaps nothing more difficult in golf than qualifying for the U.S. Open.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) received more than 10,000 entries for this year’s qualifiers, all of whom were professionals or amateurs with a handicap index of 0.4 or higher.
Among them was Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie Woods, who was looking to qualify for his first major on Thursday at one of 109 regional qualifying sites in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The younger Woods, who helped his high school team win the Florida state championship this fall, will have a chance to compete and play. He demonstrated that at the PNC Championship as well.
Unfortunately for the high school freshman, he did not have his best results on Thursday and will not be able to advance beyond the first regional qualifying stage. Woods sealed his fate with a 9-over 81 and three double bogeys at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He finished tied for 61st out of 89 competitors.
Only five players from Port St. Lucie will advance to one of the final 10 qualifying venues in late May to early June.
Last year, the USGA held 10 final qualifying rounds, with 645 players from across the country participating. Only 45 players, or 6.9% of the players who made it to the final stage, made it to Los Angeles Country Club, many of whom are on the PGA Tour or his LIV Golf.
Woods faced the difficult task of qualifying for the U.S. Open, but he certainly gained valuable experience Thursday.
At least he beat Matt Kuchar’s son, Cameron Kuchar, by strokes on Thursday at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club. The younger Woods now has some bragging rights over the younger Kuchar.
All kidding aside, there’s a good chance these two young up-and-comers will be running the business in 2025. By then, they will have more experience and fewer butterflies in their bellies. But who knows? Perhaps they will defy the odds and make it all the way to Oakmont, where a record 10th U.S. Open will be held next year.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
