Charlie Woods struggles in first PGA Tour pre-qualifier

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[PHOTO: Cliff Hawkins]

Charlie Woods will have to wait at least a bit longer to make his PGA Tour debut.

The 15-year-old son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods struggled in his first attempt at a PGA Tour pre-qualifier on Thursday. The younger Woods shot a 16-over-par 86, failing to earn one of the five spots available for a Monday qualifier for next week’s Cognizant Classic.

Playing at Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound near Woods’ Florida home, Woods made no birdies while carding four bogeys and two double-bogeys. He also made a 12 on the par-4 seventh hole.

Golf fans have seen Charlie, who just turned 15 earlier this month, play with his dad in each of the past four PNC Championships, but he has yet to play an extensive junior golf schedule. In fact, he played in this PGA Tour pre-qualifier before he played in an AJGA event.

According to the PGA Tour’s website, “Woods struggled at points in his pre-qualifying round, but he appeared to relish the experience of competing in a tour pre-qualifier for the first time. He was supported by his mum Elin, good friend and caddie JJ (utilising a cart), and dozens of Hobe Sound locals.”

The event was one of four pre-qualifiers ahead of Monday’s qualifier, where four spots will be available for next week’s PGA Tour event at PGA National. The Cognizant Classic, formerly the Honda Classic, will take place from February 29 to March 3.