via Imago

Future golf superstars are created in the amateur rounds. The young players consistently push the limits of the game, earning incredible victories and low handicaps. Gordon Sargent and Charlie Woods are two of the names generating a lot of buzz in the golf world. Sargent, born in 2003, has been ruling the amateur circuit and was given a special invitation to the esteemed Masters in 2023 and performed wonderfully against the greatest players. In the US Open 2023, he was also the Low Amateur.

Gordon Sargent is currently the top men’s amateur golfer, and the title proves his skill to everyone. This American prodigy has an incredible +5.5 handicap. Put another way, Sargent needs to shoot an incredible 64 to break par on a typical par-70 course.

via Imago

Although Sargent is at the top right now, Charlie Woods is not far behind. Charlie, only fifteen years old, is attracting attention already. It takes a minimum handicap of 2 or better to compete in a PGA Tour pre-qualifier. Charlie Woods easily beats this standard with a handicap index of +3. This, he also competed in the Cognizant Classic’s pre-qualifier but sadly could not succeed.

The younger Woods’s involvement in high-profile events such as the PNC Championship with his father has let him take the path that most amateurs have not had the chance to explore. Although he hasn’t yet achieved the great heights of Sargent’s handicap, Woods Jr. shows promise and talent. The two budding golfers have already made a name for themselves in the golf world, and are garnering praise from seasoned pros.

Pros talk about the amateurs’ game

Gordon Sargent, who is known for his incredible distance, hits the ball at an average of 185–190 mph, which translates to an average hit of well over 300 yards. His skills have shaken up the game, leaving veteran players like Max Homa in amazement at his power and skill. Homa said, “He hits it 95 miles. He was so far by us it’s crazy. He’s a phenomenal golfer. Really nice kid. He doesn’t look like he’s going at it that hard. I’ve heard so many good things about his game. It was probably even more impressive to see him in person.” 

Charlie Woods is also known for his ball-hitting skills. His clubhead speed, according to Notah Begay, Tiger Woods‘s close buddy and teammate from college, is between 115 and 120 mph. Begay further mentioned that Charlie and his driver can “cruise” at a ball speed in the mid-170s. “For his age, (that’s) quite a lot of ball speed,” Begay said.

Gordon Sargent’s handicap of +5.5 is just incredible, but Charlie Woods, who is only 15 years old, is too young to be overlooked. Based on their current ratings, Sargent has an advantage over Woods. But Woods seems to be a prodigy in his own right, wanting to continue his father’s legacy. The golf world will be watching the young golfers’ game intently as they go up the amateur ranks!