Tiger Woods says it’s “incredibly humbling” to be recognised after the United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that the medal presented annually to the U.S. Amateur champion and the trophy awarded to the U.S. Junior Amateur champion will be renamed and redesigned in his honour.
Beginning at this year’s 126th U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club (10-16 August) and the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club (20-25 July), champions will receive the Tiger Woods Medal and the Tiger Woods Trophy, respectively.
The move recognises one of the most extraordinary competitive careers in the history of the game and Woods’ unmatched amateur résumé.
Woods, 50, remains the only player to win three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur Championships (1991, 1992, 1993) and three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships (1994, 1995, 1996) — a feat that has never been equalled, and likely never will.
“The USGA and its championships have played an enormous role in my life,” said Woods.
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“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’ six straight USGA amateur titles laid the foundation for a professional career that would transform the sport. He went on to claim nine USGA championships in total, including U.S. Open victories in 2000, 2002 and 2008. Woods’ nine USGA titles are tied with Bobby Jones for the most in history.
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“Tiger Woods redefined what was possible in amateur golf,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA.
“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 honoured by USGA in landmark move
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Beyond his competitive record, Woods’ impact has extended well beyond the ropes.
Woods, who has won 15 major titles (second to Jack Nicklaus with 18), introduced golf to new global audiences, inspired generations of young players and elevated the significance of amateur competition as a pathway to the professional ranks. As a result of his work, Woods was awarded the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honour, in 2024.
Jack Nicklaus
Woods now joins a select group of figures recognised through USGA championship naming rights. The U.S. Open gold medal bears the name of Nicklaus, while the U.S. Women’s Open medal honours Mickey Wright.
Most recently, the USGA confirmed that the U.S. Women’s Amateur champion’s medal will be named for eight-time USGA champion JoAnne Carner and will be presented for the first time later this year at The Honors Course.
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Woods is hoping to compete at The Masters
Woods is currently still sidelined from competitive action as he continues to recover from the seventh back surgery of his career in October 2025.
Six months before that Woods had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
The joint-record 82-time PGA Tour winner confirmed during his hosting of last week’s Genesis Invitational that a possible appearance at The Masters could be on the cards. Bookmaker William Hill has priced Woods up at odds of 2/1 to compete at the 2026 Masters from 9-12 April.
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