Tiger Woods honoured with USGA amateur awards
U.S. Amateur medal and U.S. Junior Amateur trophy renamed to celebrate historic amateur dominance
The United States Golf Association has announced that the medal awarded to the U.S. Amateur champion and the trophy presented to the U.S. Junior Amateur champion will be renamed in honour of Tiger Woods.
The governing body confirmed the change during its Annual Meeting in New York, recognising Woods’ remarkable amateur career and lasting impact on the game.
Beginning with the 126th U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club and the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club later this year, winners will receive the Tiger Woods Medal and the Tiger Woods Trophy.
“Tiger Woods redefined what was possible in amateur golf,” said USGA chief executive Mike Whan. “His achievements as a junior and amateur didn’t just set records — they set a new standard of excellence.
“Naming our U.S. Amateur Medal and U.S. Junior Amateur Trophy in his honor ensures that every future champion is forever connected to a legacy that helped shape the modern game.”
Woods remains the only player to win three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur Championships and three straight U.S. Amateur titles. He captured the junior crown in 1991, 1992 and 1993 before adding the U.S. Amateur titles in 1994, 1995 and 1996.
Those six consecutive amateur victories formed the platform for a historic career that includes nine USGA championships in total, highlighted by U.S. Open triumphs in 2000, 2002 and 2008. His nine USGA titles are tied with Bob Jones for the most in history.
“The USGA and its championships have played an enormous role in my life,” said Woods. “The U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. 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 now joins a distinguished group of figures recognised by the USGA through championship medals, including Jack Nicklaus, whose name appears on the U.S. Open gold medal, and Mickey Wright, honoured through the U.S. Women’s Open medal.