Charlie Woods has been given extra security protection after being swamped by overzealous fans following his debut appearance this week in Carolina.
The youngster, 15, is playing at the 2024 Will Lowery Junior Championship this week with his father, golf icon Tiger Woods, marking Charlie’s debut at the American Junior Golf Association.
But the occasion was marred after the budding golfer was forced to bring in a host of security personnel and armed police to protect him from the crowd getting out of control.
It comes after Woods Jr attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic in February, only to see his hopes of progressing impacted by fans eager to catch a close glimpse of the American prodigy in action.
A big part of his run was hampered by a large number of fans swarming the young golfer, with intruding fans seen walking alongside him and asking for photographs, distracting him from focusing on the green.
The teenager ended up shooting a round of 86 and it is fair to say some part of his disappointing score was down to the disturbances caused while he was on course.
It seems his management and father were keen not to have a repeat for this tournament, as they brought in a team of security officers to shield him. According to reports, police have been deployed at the entrance and are ensuring fans are thoroughly checked before they are let in.
Heavy pressure on Charlie Woods
It is inevitable that Woods Jr will be facing the spotlight as he attempts to make his way into professional golf, largely due to his father’s exploits in the sport.
At the age of 48, Tiger is still playing, although he has limited himself to one major event a month after experiencing life-changing injuries in a car crash. He even caddied for Charlie at Notah Begay III and played alongside him at the PNC Championship.
If he is anywhere near as talented as his father, Charlie will no doubt have a bright future in the sport. But it seems fans need to be responsible in how they treat the youngster as he gets to grips with his status.
