Tiger Woods has shielded himself from the public gaze as he faces a DUI charge, but the 15-time major champion took to social media to praise U.S. Amateur champion Jack Whaley
Tiger Woods heralded Jack Whaley’s win at the U.S. Amateur(Image: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods has kept a low profile as he awaits trial for driving under the influence after a March car crash, but he took to social media to congratulate U.S. Amateur Champion, Jack Whaley.
Florida State senior Whaley won the most prestigious title in amateur golf by defeating Jay Leng Jr. 4&3 at Merion on Sunday after a back-and-forth 36-hole match. In the process, he became the first recipient of the Tiger Woods Medal, which was created this year to honor his three U.S. Amateur titles.
The Englishman trailed by two after the first 18 holes in Pennsylvania, and he was stung by a wasp early in the second loop, but it only galvanized his comeback, and he had the match wrapped up on the 15th. It comes as Scottie Scheffler surpasses Rory McIlroy earnings with Tiger Woods in touching distance.
Woods tipped his cap to the 22-year-old, as well as his beaten rival, Leng. The 15-time major champion also paid tribute to Noah Maclauchlan, who outdueled 17-year-old prodigy Miles Russell to win the U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley last month.
Maclauchlan, an 18-year-old incoming freshman at Liberty, was the first winner of the Tiger Woods Trophy, named in recognition of Woods’ three U.S. Junior Amateur triumphs.
“Congrats to Jack Whaley on winning the U.S. Am at Merion. An incredible accomplishment and a special place to make history,” Woods wrote.
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“Jay Leng Jr. put together an impressive run of his own, winning the Western Amateur 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 Noah Maclauchlan on winning the U.S. Junior Amateur over Miles Russell. 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 and the USGA.”
Whaley’s win will provide encouragement to the Woods family. The 50-year-old’s son, Charlie, has committed to FSU and will begin his collegiate career in the fall of 2027. Head coach Trey Jones clearly knows what he is doing in Tallahassee.
Woods has made just one public appearance since rolling his Land Rover near his Jupiter, Florida, home in March, giving a brief address at the Travelers Championship in June to announce changes to the PGA Tour’s structure and schedule.
After escaping the crash uninjured, Woods headed to Switzerland to attend a rehab facility, where he stayed for around six weeks.
A trial date is yet to be confirmed. He denies misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful chemical or urine test.