USGA Honors Tiger Woods By Naming Two Prestigious Awards After Him

The U.S. Amateur medal and U.S. Junior Amateur trophy will now be known as the Tiger Woods Medal and Tiger Woods Trophy.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The USGA is naming two of its most prestigious honors after golf legend Tiger Woods. The U.S. Amateur medal and U.S. Junior Amateur trophy will now be known as the Tiger Woods Medal and Tiger Woods Trophy, respectively, to recognize Woods' unparalleled achievements as a junior and amateur golfer.

Why it matters

Tiger Woods is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, having won 15 major championships and dominated the sport for over two decades. By naming these prestigious USGA awards after him, the organization is cementing Woods' legacy and inspiring future generations of young golfers to chase their dreams and uphold the history and values of the game.

The details

Woods is the only golfer to win three straight U.S. Junior Amateurs and U.S. Amateurs, a feat that has never been matched. In total, he has won nine USGA championships, tying him with Bobby Jones for the most all-time. The USGA hopes that naming these awards after Woods will ensure that every future champion is forever connected to his unparalleled legacy.

  • Tiger Woods won three straight U.S. Junior Amateurs from 1991 to 1993.
  • Tiger Woods won the U.S. Amateur three consecutive times, from 1994 to 1996.
  • Tiger Woods turned 50 years old in December, making him eligible for the senior tour.

The players

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion and one of the greatest golfers of all time.

Mike Whan

The CEO of the USGA, who announced the decision to name the awards after Tiger Woods.

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What they’re saying

“Tiger Woods redefined what was possible in amateur golf. 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.”

— Mike Whan, USGA CEO (USGA)

“The USGA and its championships have played an enormous role in my life. 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.”

— Tiger Woods (USGA)

What’s next

The 2026 U.S. Amateur will be played at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Junior Amateur is set to take place at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It remains to be seen if Tiger Woods will compete in future U.S. Senior Opens now that he is eligible for the senior tour after turning 50 years old.

The takeaway

This decision by the USGA to name two of its most prestigious awards after Tiger Woods solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time. By honoring his unparalleled achievements as a junior and amateur player, the USGA is ensuring that future champions will be forever connected to Woods' inspiring story and the values that have shaped the game of golf.