Charlie Woods and Kai Trump were both in action at the Nicklaus Junior Championship this week, with one of the teenagers enjoying a much better time on the greens and fairways
Tiger Woods watched his son Charlie compete at the Nicklaus Junior Championship this week(Image: Douglas P. DeFelice, Getty Images)
Charlie Woods and Kai Trump, bearing the weight of their famous surnames, once again turned heads as they competed in the 41st edition of the Nicklaus Junior Championship this week. However, it was Charlie who had the most to celebrate at the end of the two-round tournament.
The teenagers, who are among America’s most promising golfers in their respective age categories, showcased their skills over the past two days in Florida. It comes four months after both struggled at the Sage Valley Junior Invitational in March.
At the end of that tournament, Woods – who is the son of 82-time PGA Tour winner Tiger Woods – finished 25th out of 36 players. Meanwhile, Trump, daughter of Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr and granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, came last out of 24 in her draw.
Despite less-than-stellar performances, both saw a significant rise in their American Junior Golf Association rankings. Since then, both have made considerable strides in their performances.
Woods, 16, clinched victory at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in May, before securing his place in the US Junior Amateur Championship in July, reports the Irish Star. On the other hand, Trump, 18, bagged second-place at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Major Championship earlier this month.
However, on Tuesday, only one of them could continue their recent good run of form. By the time the Nicklaus Junior Championship concluded at the private Tequesta Country Club, located north of the pro golf enclave of Jupiter, it was Woods who emerged the happiest.
After finishing even-par for the tournament with a final round 69 (two-under), he placed sixth in a field of 122 boys golfers, finishing just four shots back of eventual winner Jeremy Hsu of Port St. Lucie, who won the tournament at four-under. Meanwhile, Trump finished tied for 21st out of 32 golfers, having struggled to a final round score of a three-over 74, putting her 17-over for the tournament.
Kai Trump learnt another harsh lesson at the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship this week(Image: Getty)
That’s despite playing the front nine at one-under – the best of any girls player in the final round. Woods’ performance was just the latest example of his rapid rise up the ranks, having already risen from No. 606 to No. 14 following his first win on the junior golf circuit last month.
Like Trump, he remains in high school, although the president’s granddaughter has already committed to play golf at the University of Miami in 2030, having announced her decision last year. It isn’t just their golf skills and famous family ties which have gained them plenty of attention in recent times, however.
Earlier this year, Woods’ dad Tiger went public with his relationship with Trump’s mum, Vanessa. The golfing legend took to his social media in March, sharing cosy moments with his partner lounging in a hammock.
Tiger Woods confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump earlier this year(Image: instagram.com/tigerwoods)
His heartfelt caption read: “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.”
Vanessa mirrored her beau’s statement by sharing his post on her Instagram story. Soon after, it emerged that both Tiger’s children and President Trump had given their seal of approval to his new sweetheart.
Reports last month claimed that things were going so swimmingly that the smitten pair might move in together by the year’s end. Vanessa is also said to have “total access” to the sportsman’s life.
