Tiger Woods says USGA tribute is ‘incredibly humbling’ after historic announcement
· Yahoo Sports
Tiger Woods described the United States Golf Association’s decision to rename two of its most prestigious amateur awards in his honor as “incredibly humbling.”
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The USGA announced that the medals awarded to the US Amateur champion and the trophy presented to the US Junior Amateur champion will now bear Woods’ name.
Beginning later this year, winners will receive the Tiger Woods Medal and the Tiger Woods Trophy.
The move recognizes one of the most dominant amateur careers in golf history. For Woods, it represents a full-circle moment.
Tiger Woods reacts to US Amateur and US Junior Amateur awards being renamed
The changes will take effect at the 126th US Amateur at Merion Golf Club and the 78th US Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club.
Woods remains the only player to win three consecutive US Junior Amateur titles from 1991 to 1993, followed by three straight US Amateur victories from 1994 to 1996.
His six consecutive USGA amateur championships remain unmatched.
“The USGA and its championships have played an enormous role in my life,” Woods said on the USGA website.
Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images“The US Junior Amateur and US 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’ amateur dominance laid the foundation for a professional career that includes nine USGA championship victories, tied with Bob Jones for the most in history.
Those titles include US Open triumphs in 2000, 2002, and 2008. He was also awarded the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, in 2024.
Mike Whan explains why the USGA chose to honor Tiger Woods
USGA CEO Mike Whan said the decision reflects Woods’ transformative impact on amateur golf.
“Tiger Woods redefined what was possible in amateur golf,” Whan said. “His achievements as a junior and amateur didn’t just set records; they set a new standard of excellence.
“Naming our US Amateur Medal and US Junior Amateur Trophy in his honor ensures that every future champion is forever connected to a legacy that helped shape the modern game.”
Woods now joins Jack Nicklaus, whose name appears on the US Open gold medal, and Mickey Wright, honored on the US Women’s Open medal.
The US Women’s Amateur medal will also soon bear the name of JoAnne Carner.
The renaming links future champions directly to a player whose amateur success reshaped the pathway to the professional game.
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