“Humbled” Tiger Woods makes rare social media post about USGA amateur stars

Tiger Woods made a rare social media post on Monday, saying he is "humbled" to have his name attached to the USGA's highest amateur honours.

The 15-time major champion paid tribute to newly crowned U.S. Amateur champion Jack Whaley and U.S. Junior Amateur winner Noah MacLauchlan.

Woods, 50, also congratulated runners-up Jay Leng Jr and Miles Russell.

Whaley became only the third Englishman since 1911 to lift the Havemeyer Trophy, defeating Leng 4&3 over 36 holes at a rain-soaked Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania on Sunday.

MacLauchlan stunned the highly touted Russell with an emphatic 6&5 victory at Saucon Valley Country Club in late July.

As a result, MacLauchlan won the Tiger Woods Trophy, while Whaley was the recipient of the Tiger Woods Medal.

Woods posted:

Congrats to @jackwhaley_golf on winning the U.S. Am at Merion. An incredible accomplishment and a special place to make history.

@jaylengjr put together an impressive run of his own, winning the @wgachampionships just a few weeks ago and following it up with a great week at the Am. Always good to see a fellow Cardinal competing on this stage.

And finally, a big congrats to @noahmaclauchlan07 on winning the U.S. Junior Amateur over @milesrussellgolf

Great to see the next generation competing for these championships. Humbled to have my name connected to these honors. What an incredible summer for amateur golf @usga

Woods remains one of the most decorated players in amateur history.

He captured the U.S. Junior Amateur title in 1991, 1992 and 1993, followed by three consecutive U.S. Amateur victories in 1994, 1995 and 1996.

His six straight USGA amateur championships laid the foundation for a historic career that includes 15 major wins.

At the height of his powers, Woods won five Masters titles, three U.S. Opens, three Open Championships and four PGA Championships.

Woods' nine USGA championship victories are tied with Bob Jones for the most in history.

The USGA formally renamed the awards earlier this year to honour Woods' unmatched achievements on the amateur circuit, ensuring every future winner carries a permanent connection to his legendary run.

Woods is currently keeping a low profile following another turbulent stretch off the course.

In late March, Woods was involved in a rollover car crash near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida.

Authorities arrested Woods at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence after finding prescription pain medication in his possession. 

Tests showed no alcohol in his system, although Woods refused urinalysis. 

Woods has been charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

He has pleaded not guilty. 

Following the incident, Woods announced he would step away from golf to seek professional treatment and focus on his recovery.

He spent 90 days at a clinic in Switzerland and briefly returned to the United States to support his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, after she revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Woods made his first public appearance since stepping away from the sport in June at the Travelers Championship.

He was at the event in Connecticut to introduce PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp at a news conference.

Woods read a prepared statement about sweeping changes to the PGA Tour's structure, but did not take any questions about his latest car crash.

He missed all of the men's majors in 2026 and has yet to confirm if and when he will seek a return to professional golf. 

Woods is now eligible for the over-50s circuit and previously indicated he would be keen to play on the PGA Tour Champions.