Junior Ryder Cup Decision for Charlie Woods Unveiled After Junior PGA Championships Closing Round

Charlie Woods’ bid to secure an automatic place on Team USA for the Junior Ryder Cup came up short after he carded a three-over-par 74 in the final round of the Junior PGA Championships in Indiana.

The 16-year-old entered the day tied for second, knowing that a top-two finish would guarantee qualification for the Junior Ryder Cup team ahead of next month’s matches at Nassau Country Club and Bethpage Black in New York (September 23–25).

Woods was level through 13 holes before a bogey at the 14th and a costly double bogey at the 15th sent him sliding down the leaderboard. His frustration peaked on the final green when a birdie putt lipped out.

The tournament was dominated by Lunden Esterline, who clinched victory at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex’s Ackerman-Allen Course in West Lafayette with a 19-under-par total, finishing six shots clear of the field.

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While Woods could still make the Junior Ryder Cup team as a captain’s pick, that scenario appears unlikely, with several higher-ranked contenders expected to be favored by Team USA captain Suzy Whaley.

Instead, Woods will turn his attention to the U.S. Junior Amateur, set for July 21–26 at Trinity Forest in Dallas, where he’ll compete alongside top finishers Arth Sinha (67), Lucas Gimenez (68), Sohan Patel (69), and Wylie Inman (69). Crowe and Marigliano have been named as alternates.

Woods, who missed the cut at last year’s Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills, recently captured his first junior tournament victory at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in Bowling Green, Florida.

Fans can watch the 2025 Ryder Cup live on Sky Sports from September 26–28.

Tiger Woods’ Son, Charlie Mounts Pressure and Braces for a Defining ‘No. 1 Role’ Amid Skyrocketing Expectations”

Tiger Woods : In just a short period, Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie Woods, has made a strong presence in the golfing world with his improving performances. It includes a breakthrough win at the AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational in May and a top-10 finish at the Junior PGA Championship.

With each tournament, expectations around Jr. Woods continue to grow, and he seems to know it.

According to the 16-year-old’s school coach, Toby Harbeck, Charlie has embraced the pressure and transformed himself, physically and mentally, to take on a leadership role.

“Charlie knows a lot of the attention is going to be on him, and he knows not to put himself in an uncomfortable position, but his teammates are protective of him,” Harbeck told The Palm Beach Post, as quoted.

Harbeck also revealed Charlie’s notable body transformation, stating, “Charlie has come a long way in two years. He’s lost 10 pounds and is ready to take on that No. 1 role.”

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The coach, who previously worked with Jack Nicklaus’ sons Gary and Michael, noted the quiet support Charlie receives from his parents.

Elin and Woods are frequently present at matches, and Harbeck described Tiger’s demeanor off-camera as strikingly different.

“When Tiger and Elin show up to watch, Tiger is a different person than what you see on TV. Just like Jack (Nicklaus) was,” he revealed during the same conversation.

That family presence, combined with Charlie’s internal drive, has helped him bounce back from setbacks. After missing the cut at the U.S. Junior Amateur in July, he responded with poise at the Junior PGA Championship in West Lafayette.

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Wearing his father’s signature Sunday red, Charlie carded a 9-under 276 to tie for ninth overall. His third-round 66 briefly put him in contention, showcasing the grit that’s becoming his trademark.

“He’s not just showing up and swinging. He’s preparing like a pro,” the coach added.

That preparation will be tested again soon. Charlie is set to compete in the Junior Players Championship in late August at TPC Sawgrass, an event won by the 15-time major winner twice.

The event features the top 58 boys in the Rolex AJGA Rankings, along with select international invitees. Ranked No. 13, the AJGA winner enters as one of the headliners