Charlie Woods, son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has surged back into contention at the 2025 Junior PGA Championship following a strong second-round performance. The prestigious event, held from 29 July to 1 August at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana, features 312 of the top junior golfers from across the United States. Woods, who previously struggled at the U.S. Junior Amateur, now sits just a few strokes behind the leaders as the tournament enters its final rounds.
Overview of the 2025 Junior PGA Championship
The 49th Junior PGA Championship is taking place at Purdue University's dual-course complex, with competitors playing rounds across the Ackerman-Allen and Kampen-Cosler courses. The tournament includes 156 boys and 156 girls, all under the age of 18 as of 1 August. After 36 holes, the field is cut to the top 60 and ties, with a second cut after 54 holes reducing the field to the top 30 and ties for the final round.
This year's championship also carries implications for future international competitions, as the top two finishers in each division will earn automatic selection to represent the U.S. in upcoming junior events.
Charlie Woods rebounds with impressive second round
Woods began the week seeking redemption after missing the cut at the U.S. Junior Amateur, but his second-round 66 marked a significant turnaround. His 6‑under 66, featuring nine birdies, vaulted him over 40 spots into solo fourth, one of the biggest leaderboard moves of the day.
The 16‑year‑old, who attends The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, remains uncommitted to college but continues to draw attention from across the amateur golf circuit.
Charlie Woods rips off NINE birdies and jumps 42 spots on Day 2 of the Junior PGA Championships.
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) July 30, 2025
Top 2 finishers after 72 holes earn automatic spots on the Junior Ryder Cup team 👀 pic.twitter.com/RH3EaRWdEN
Leaderboard update after Round 2
As of the end of Tuesday's round, Auburn commit Lunden Esterline leads the boys' division at 13-under-par. He is closely followed by Max VanderMolen and Chase Yenser, both at 9-under. According to USA Today, Woods trails the leaders by six strokes after his second-round surge moved him into fourth place at 7-under.
In the girls' division, standout players include Asterisk Talley, currently ranked second in the AJGA standings, alongside top-ranked competitors Yujie Liu and Anna Fang. The competition across both divisions remains tight, with scores expected to shift in the later rounds.
What's next for Woods and the championship field
The remaining two rounds will be decisive for Woods and other top contenders. A top-two finish would secure his place on the Junior Ryder Cup team, a major stepping stone in junior golf. The field will face increasingly difficult pin placements and weather challenges as the championship progresses.
Woods will need to maintain consistency and pressure the leaders across Wednesday and Thursday. A strong finish could also enhance his junior world ranking and attract further collegiate attention as he continues to build his amateur career.
Championship stakes and rising stars to watch
In addition to international team selection, the boys' champion earns entry to the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour Tulum Championship, while the girls' winner qualifies for the Augusta National Women's Amateur. The Junior PGA Championship is closely watched by scouts, coaches and college programmes seeking future stars.
