Tiger Woods and his 16-year-old son, Charlie, shared a lighthearted moment following a frightening incident on the golf course that nearly resulted in serious injury.
A Close Call on the Course
The scare occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, during the first round of the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship. Charlie was playing the 11th hole at the Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, Florida, when his recovery shot from under a tree struck a root and rebounded directly back toward his face.
With his parents, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, watching, the teenage golfer was forced to quickly drop his club and cover his face to avoid being hit. According to reports from the Palm Beach Post, the ball came dangerously close to striking him.
Recovery and a Father's Joke
Despite the startling interruption, Charlie Woods demonstrated impressive composure. He recovered on the hole, successfully reaching the green and sinking a putt to save par.
After the round, the golf legend lightened the mood. Tiger joked with his son about the wild shot, reportedly calling it a “hell of a shot.” The moment showcased the strong bond between the father and son as they navigated the potential danger.
Charlie's Performance and Legacy
Entering the tournament, Charlie Woods was a highly-ranked junior player, sitting 13th in the American Junior Golf Association rankings and holding first-team All-American honors. He also recently helped his school, The Benjamin School, win a state team championship in November 2025.
Through Sunday's second round of the Junior Orange Bowl, Charlie was tied for 22nd place after shooting 3-over par. He had started his first round strongly with two consecutive birdies. He is aiming to emulate his father's success; Tiger Woods won the same event back in 1991.
The tournament also featured other golfing progeny. PGA Tour veteran Matt Kuchar was in attendance to watch his son, Cameron, compete in the junior championship.
