Tiger Woods returned to the United States on Monday to watch his 15-year-old son, Charlie, make his debut in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan.
On the first day, the Woods brothers were among a large crowd that followed them to the first round, with about 100 people waiting on the first tee to watch Charlie play. The Associated Press reported.
Woods walked the course, keeping a close eye on his son’s play, but U.S. Golf Association rules prohibited him from caddying for Charlie in the tournament.
According to USGA guidelines, players cannot use a parent, stepparent or guardian as a caddie during tournament play, including qualifying.
Charlie handed the bag duties over to his teammate Luke Wise.
It was a tough day for the son of a 15-time major champion. Charlie finished with a 12-over 82 and shook hands with his partner before appearing visibly frustrated on the 18th hole, covering his face with his hat.
To advance in the 264-player tournament, Charlie will have to perform better on Tuesday and finish among the bottom 64 players.
While the day didn’t go exactly as Charlie had envisioned, the large crowd and the presence of some golfing legends made it a special day for the other golfers at the tournament.
“It’s very special,” said the Baylor University sophomore. Davis Obado told The Detroit News. About Woods being there.”[Sunday] It was a lot of fun. I didn’t see him much today because he was a little off to the side, but yesterday we were walking down the middle of the fairway together, on the green together, talking about the course. It was like, is this real? It was crazy. It’s a lot of fun playing with Charlie. The crowd and everything is fun.”
Woods himself had a tough performance at last week’s British Open, matching his best 36-hole score as a professional, and missed the cut in his third consecutive major tournament.
