Camera click derails Charlie Woods in U.S. Junior Amateur playoff
Charlie Woods missed match play at the U.S. Junior Amateur after a phone camera sounded during his backswing in a playoff, CBS Sports reported.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Charlie Woods was one chip away from staying alive at the U.S. Junior Amateur when a phone camera sound cut through his backswing, according to CBS Sports.
The mistake that followed helped end his bid to reach match play at the event for the first time. Woods, the son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, made bogey on the opening hole of a crowded playoff Wednesday morning at Saucon Valley’s Grace Course in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, CBS Sports reported.
The playoff was a 14-player scramble for just two match-play spots, according to the report. Woods had worked himself into a decent position on the par-5 first playoff hole, reaching a spot just off the green after his first two shots.
Then came the moment that changed the hole. CBS Sports reported that a phone camera was heard during Woods’ backswing on his third shot. His chip went awry, and he eventually made bogey, knocking him out of contention for one of the two remaining places.
Woods reacted immediately after the interruption, according to CBS Sports, which reported he was heard saying: “Really dude? I mean, come on.”
A video posted on X by Trevor Keaton showed the playoff shot and referenced the camera click during Woods’ swing at the 2026 U.S. Junior Championship at Saucon Valley Country Club.
A near miss after a late push
The finish was a rough turn after Woods had recovered from a slow beginning to the tournament. CBS Sports reported that he played his final 31 holes at 1 under before entering the playoff.
He was tied for 63rd at 5 over when the playoff began, according to the report. That left him among a large group trying to grab the last two available places in match play.
The loss also continued Woods’ wait for a match-play appearance at the U.S. Junior Amateur. CBS Sports reported that he missed the cut in his first two starts at the event before this year’s playoff exit.
Woods’ famous last name has kept extra attention on his junior golf career, but Wednesday’s deciding moment came down to a familiar golf headache: noise at the worst possible time.
College plans ahead
Woods is a high school senior, according to CBS Sports. The outlet reported that he is expected to sign with Florida State as part of the Seminoles’ 2027 recruiting class.
That class also includes Miles Russell, identified by CBS Sports as the No. 1 junior player.
For now, Woods leaves Saucon Valley after getting close to the next stage of the championship, only to see his U.S. Junior Amateur run end on the first playoff hole.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.