Tiger Woods Enlists Son Charlie for US Open Prep!

Tiger Woods has enlisted the help of his son, Charlie Woods, to prepare for this week’s US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina.

At 48, Woods is returning to competitive play for the first time since he missed the cut at the US PGA last month at Valhalla, where he posted rounds of 72 and 77.

After a four-week break from the PGA Tour, Woods arrived early for his US Open preparations. He scouted Pinehurst No. 2 with his new caddie, Lance Bennett, last week and was seen practicing on the range and the course with Charlie on Sunday.

Charlie has accompanied Tiger to the last two majors, assisting with his swing practice. This involves holding a golf club in front of Tiger as he swings, a drill reminiscent of those Tiger used to perform with his former coach Butch Harmon. The drill aims to keep Tiger’s arms from swinging too far to the right, helping to connect his body and arms more tightly.

Tiger and Charlie testing out some bump-and-runs around the Pinehurst greens. pic.twitter.com/xFLBxzpRBT

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 10, 2024

Charlie Woods is an accomplished golfer himself, holding a +3 handicap per the Florida State Golf Association. He has won two main junior circuit events, including the 2023 Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championship (14-15 Division), and excelled at the PNC Championship alongside Tiger. Charlie also led his school, Benjamin Boys, to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class A State Championship earlier this season, with both his parents, Elin Nordegren and Tiger Woods, attending the championship ring presentation. Despite his successes, Charlie finished T32 at the Will Lowery Junior Championship and did not qualify for the 2024 US Open.

Tiger is set to play a Monday practice round with Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas as he ramps up his preparations for the third major of the season. The 15-time major champion has won the US Open three times (2000, 2002, and 2008) but is making his first start at this event since missing the cut at Winged Foot in 2000.

The start of 2024 has been challenging for Woods, who, despite making the cut at The Masters and setting a new consecutive cuts record at Augusta National, finished last among those who made it to the weekend. He had to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational due to illness and has had a limited playing schedule as he continues to recover from last season’s ankle surgery following his car crash in February 2021. Woods acknowledges that while he can still execute all the shots, walking all 72 holes remains a struggle.