The 2024 US Open is here, and the goat is competing in it! Tiger Woods was given a special exemption by the USGA, which allowed him to compete in the 124th edition of the third major. Golf enthusiasts got glimpses of the dynamic duo of Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods, as they prepared together at Pinehurst No. 2 before the tournament officially started. Woods Jr. is instrumental in his father’s practice, but he is not carrying his bag this major. It’s Lance Bennett who is caddying for the 15x major champion.
Lance Bennett first assumed the role of Woods’s caddie at the 2024 Genesis Invitational. Recently, a video of them scouting the greens was shared by NUCLR Golf on their X handle. It showed Bennet was taking notes on Woods’s shots at Pinehurst No. 2. “We’ve had the same type of feeling in how we look at the golf course and how we read putts; they’re very similar. I think it’s great—we’re going to be a great team and really looking forward to the challenge,” Woods said of Bennett.
Bennett works full-time for Belgian golfer Adrien Dumont de Chassart. He is well known for his partnerships with notable golfers like Matt Kuchar, as he caddied for him during Kuchar’s win at the 2012 PLAYERS Championship. Bennett brings a wealth of experience to the table. Moreover, he has also worked with Sungjae Im and 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge winner Davis Riley. The looper has also spent time on the LPGA Tour with Juli Inkster, Paula Creamer, and Lorena Ochoa.
Tiger Woods and his son Charlie practicing together emphasizes the deep connection they share. They have been working on various aspects of the game, from bump-and-run shots to intricate putting drills. “I just want to see the balls rolling. Charlie reminds me every now and again, which is great. We have a great relationship and rapport like that, and it’s a wonderful experience for both of us,” Woods shared, highlighting the special bond they have built through golf.
At the PNC Championship in December 2023, the 48-year-old brought his daughter, Samantha Woods, to be his caddie. So why was the 15-year-old not given a chance to caddie for Woods?
Despite Charlie’s impressive credentials, including a +3 handicap and victories on the junior circuit, caddying for his father at a challenging course like Pinehurst is less than ideal. Tiger Woods’s return to major competition after a month will require the expertise and experience that Woods Jr. cannot provide at such a young age, particularly in reading greens and strategizing on tough courses.
While Charlie isn’t carrying the bag, he is playing another crucial role as an unofficial coach for his father. Woods emphasized this during the Masters saying, “I trust him with my swing and my game. He’s seen it more than anybody else in the world. He’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone.”
Woods praised that his son’s involvement is not just sentimental; he brings fresh insights and reminders that help him focus. “He gave me a couple little side bits today, which was great, because I get so entrenched in hitting certain putts to certain pins, I tend to forget some of the things I’m working on,” said Woods at the pre-tournament presser at Pinehurst No. 2.
As Tiger Woods eyes the 16th major, he is supported by a team that includes both seasoned professionals and his talented son. Will he defy the odds and become a 16x major champion? It remains to be seen!
