Charlie Woods posted his best 18-hole score in three trips to the U.S. Junior Amateur but ultimately could not advance to match play at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, falling short in a 14-for-2 sudden-death playoff held Wednesday morning for the final two spots in the 64-player bracket.
Round-by-Round Recap
The 17-year-old shot a 5-over 76 on the Old Course in Monday’s opening round, then recovered to post an even-par 70 on the Grace Course on Tuesday, his lowest score in three appearances at the championship. That left him at 5-over 146 for 36 holes, tied with 13 other players at the cut line. Only the low 64 scores advanced to match play; with 14 players sharing that 63rd spot, a sudden-death playoff began at 7 a.m. Wednesday on the Grace Course (playing holes 1, 5 and 18), to determine who earned the final two berths in the draw.
A New Trophy, a Famous Name
The 78th championship has drawn unusual national attention in part because of a new piece of silverware. The winner of the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur will receive the Tiger Woods Trophy, created this year to honor the elder Woods’s unprecedented three consecutive titles from 1991 to 1993. Charlie’s presence in the field and the introduction of the trophy named for his father drew large crowds to the first-round tee on Monday.
Strong Stroke-Play Leaders Head Into Match Play
Sohan Patel, a 17-year-old from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Brayden Jones of Southern California, and Miles Russell shared medalist honors after 36 holes, all finishing at 6-under 135. Russell fired a second-round 66 on the Old Course to reach that mark. Match play on the Old Course continues through Saturday, July 25, with public admission free to the grounds.
At a Glance
- Charlie Woods shot 76-70 (146 total, 5-over) and entered a 14-for-2 sudden-death playoff for the final match-play berths.
- He did not advance to the match-play bracket.
- The Tiger Woods Trophy, new for 2026, will go to this year’s champion.
- Stroke-play co-medalists Sohan Patel, Brayden Jones, and Miles Russell finished 36 holes at 6-under 135.
- Match play runs through Saturday, July 25 at Saucon Valley Country Club; admission is free.
