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Charlie Woods: Behavior of fans determines pre-qualifier in Florida

At Charlie Woods’ pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic 2024, the result takes a back seat due to embarrassing spectators.

Charlie Woods had a complicated day in his attempt to qualify for the Cognizant Classic. (Photo: Getty)
Charlie Woods had a complicated day in his attempt to qualify for the Cognizant Classic. (Photo: Getty)

Attempting to secure a spot in the upcoming Cognizant Classic, the 15-year-old prodigy, son of golf legend Tiger Woods, found himself amidst unwanted attention during his qualifying round at the Lake Golf Club. While Tiger was absent, Charlie was accompanied by his mother, Elin Nordegren, for support, but what unfolded was a challenging day for the young golfer.

Charlie Woods: Complicated day for the teenager

Struggling with his drives and frequently searching for his ball in the rough, Charlie started his round with two early bogeys and compounded his difficulties with a double-bogey on the 5th hole. The real challenge came at the par-4 7th hole, where he endured a tough stretch, requiring twelve strokes to complete the hole. However, he showed resilience, bouncing back with six consecutive pars on the following holes, finishing the round with a score of 86.

Yet, it wasn’t just Charlie’s performance that garnered attention on that Thursday in Florida. The absence of ropes typically used to delineate spectator areas led to some fans encroaching upon the young golfer. Reports from “Golfweek” highlighted instances where fans approached Charlie, with one audaciously requesting his signature on his father’s book, “How I Play Golf.” When officials intervened, the response was brazen: “I live here.” Such incidents persisted throughout Charlie’s round, disrupting his focus before he ultimately left the course. However, amidst the chaos, his playing partner, Olin Brown Jr., son of three-time PGA Tour winner Olin Browne, provided unwavering support, encouraging Charlie throughout the round.

Tiger Woods’ son takes his first steps with the big boys

While a qualification for the Cognizant Classic 2024 seemed remote, Charlie’s ability to bounce back from setbacks showcased his resilience. Even if he had managed to secure a top-five finish or a tie at the Pre-Qualifier, success in the subsequent Monday Qualifier would have been necessary for entry into the main event. Nonetheless, the experience gained from participating in such a high-stakes event will undoubtedly prove invaluable for Charlie as he continues to pursue his dreams on the PGA Tour.

In conclusion, while the focus should have been on Charlie Woods’ journey and his aspirations in the world of professional golf, the unfortunate behavior of a minority of fans served as a stark reminder of the challenges young athletes like him face on their path to greatness. Despite the distractions, Charlie’s determination and talent shine through, hinting at a promising future in the sport.