Charlie Woods finishes last at Junior Invitational at Sage Valley after 26-over total

Charlie Woods wrapped up his week at the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley with a final-round 80 on Saturday.

The 17-year-old, son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, finished the elite junior event at 26-over par after four rounds at Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, South Carolina.

Woods, a student at The Benjamin School, carded four double bogeys, two bogeys and two birdies during his closing round to post an 8-over-par 80. 

His final total of 314 left him last place in the 36-player field.

Top-ranked junior Miles Russell became the first player in the history of the tournament to win back-to-back years. 

Russell's 15-under par total (64-70-72-67) saw him prevail by three shots. 

In the girls competition, Asterisk Talley won her second gold jacket in three years with a four-round total of 8-under par (69-75-69-67).

The Junior Invitational at Sage Valley is considered of the strongest tournaments on the junior golf calendar.

Despite the difficult week on the scoreboard, Woods gained valuable experience competing in one of the most prestigious events in junior golf — an invitation-only tournament that regularly features many of the world’s top amateur prospects.

Among its past champions is current World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, who won the event in 2014. Other notable winners include Akshay Bhatia (2018), Joaquín Niemann (2017) and Austin Eckroat (2016).

Charlie Woods signs with new management team

Away from the course, Woods recently made a significant move as he continues shaping his own path in the game.

The rising junior has signed with Players Group Management, securing his first representation deal with an agency different from the one that has long represented his father.

Sources confirmed Woods will be represented by agent Allen Hobbs, who also manages the career of Russell. 

Players Group Management represents several prominent professionals, including PGA Tour stars Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, along with Caleb Surratt of Legion XIII.

By contrast, Tiger Woods has long been represented by Excel Sports Management. The former World No.1 joined the agency in July 2011 after leaving IMG alongside his long-time agent Mark Steinberg.

College golf and rapid rise in junior rankings

Woods has also confirmed he will play college golf at Florida State University beginning in 2027.

His management move comes during a period of significant progress in his junior career. Woods is currently ranked 20th in the Rolex AJGA standings — a remarkable rise from 604th just one season ago.

The breakthrough moment arrived at the Team TaylorMade Invitational last May, where Woods captured his first American Junior Golf Association title with an impressive 15-under-par total of 201 across 54 holes.

He followed that victory with a tied-ninth finish at the Boys Junior PGA Championship in July and a tie for 18th at the Rolex Tournament of Champions in November, demonstrating consistency against elite junior competition.

Woods also played a key role in helping The Benjamin School capture the Florida High School Athletic Association Class A state title, closing with a composed final-round 68 under pressure.

Tiger Woods eyes possible Masters return

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods continues his recovery as he targets a potential return to competitive golf.

The 15-time major champion has not competed since missing the cut at The Open Championship in July 2024 and underwent the seventh back surgery of his career in October 2025.

While hosting last month’s Genesis Invitational, Woods said it was “not off the table” that he could return for The Masters if his recovery allows.

He has confirmed he will at least attend the traditional Champions Dinner at Augusta National Golf Club, hosted this year by defending champion Rory McIlroy.