Charlie Woods was in action at the US Junior Championship. (Image: Getty)
Tiger Woods’ son Charlie struggled for form during his latest outing.
Rivals of Charlie Woods believe the son of 15-time major winner Tiger is under immense pressure to perform because of his family name.
The 15-year-old struggled to perform at the US Junior Amateur Open, finishing the opening round 12 over-par with a round of 82.
Woods Snr was in attendance to watch at the Oakland Hills Country Club course, but it’s the presence and pedigree of the legendary golf ace that Charlie’s rivals believe is getting the better of him.
On the impact Dad Tiger could be having on Charlie’s game, playing partner Davis Ovard said: “The amount of pressure he has on him is unbelievable. I can’t imagine being in his shoes.”
Attention was fixed on Woods Jr’s showings in Michigan, with a crowd of around 100 people said to have gathered to watch him at the first tee.
It’s been a launch pad for some of golf’s greatest names over the years, with Tiger becoming the first-ever golfer to win the competition three times in a row during the mid-1990s.
The event itself typically only garners around a couple hundred spectators overall, but golf fans were keen to turn out and catch a glimpse of Tiger’s youngest child.
However, his rogue showing at Oakland Hills appeared to get the better of Woods, who trudged around the course visibly frustrated.
But any hope of being given a pointer or two by his father was ruled out, as parents and guardians were banned from offering coaching tips while the youngsters were on the course.
Charlie wasn’t the only player distracted by Tiger being there, with Ovard dubbing the experience of seeing him wander around the course a ‘crazy’ one.
He continued: “He was just walking down the middle of the fairways [during Sunday’s practice] with us and on the greens with us, and we were talking about the course. It was crazy.”
While Chase Kyes, Charlie’s second playing partner, added: “I looked over at him [Tiger Woods] a couple of times, but I really tried not to. There’s a lot of pressure with his name.
“It’s great for the game, especially for young kids like us. Hopefully it won’t be the last time we’re in front of crowds like this. As early as you can get used to it, the better off you will be.”
