Tiger Woods is one of the best amateur champions in the history of the U.S. Golf Association. On Saturday, the USGA announced some major changes will make sure his name is forever tied to the future champions of the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur.
During its annual meeting, the USGA announced the medal presented to the U.S. Amateur champion and the trophy awarded to the U.S. Junior Amateur winner will be renamed and redesigned to honor Woods, a three-time champion of both events.
Beginning with the 126th U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club and the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club, each champion will receive the Tiger Woods Medal and the Tiger Woods Trophy, respectively, celebrating Woods’ legacy as the only player to win three consecutive U.S. Juniors and three straight U.S. Amateurs — a feat that remains unmatched.
“Tiger Woods redefined what was possible in amateur golf,” Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, said in a release. “His achievements as a junior and amateur didn’t just set records — they set a new standard of excellence. Naming our U.S. Amateur Medal and U.S. Junior Amateur Trophy in his honor ensures that every future champion is forever connected to a legacy that helped shape the modern game.”
Woods captured the U.S. Junior in 1991, 1992 and 1993, followed by three consecutive U.S. Amateur victories in 1994, 1995 and 1996. As a pro, he won the U.S. Open in 2000, 2002 and 2008, and his nine total USGA victories are tied with Bob Jones for the most all-time.
“The USGA and its championships have played an enormous role in my life,” Woods said. “The U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur were defining moments in my development, both as a golfer and as a person. To be recognized in this way is incredibly humbling, and I hope it inspires young players to chase their dreams and appreciate the history and values of the game.”
Woods is the latest golfing legend the USGA has honored with its medals and trophies. The U.S. Open gold medal bears the name of Jack Nicklaus, while the U.S. Women’s Open medal honors Mickey Wright. Most recently, the USGA announced the U.S. Women’s Amateur champion’s medal will be named for eight-time USGA champion JoAnne Carner and will be presented for the first time later this year at The Honors Course.