Tiger Woods: USGA names most important amateur prizes after the legend

The United States Golf Association (USGA) is erecting a lasting monument to Tiger Woods in amateur sport. As the association announced at the weekend, the U.S. Amateur medal and the U.S. Junior Amateur trophy will bear his name from this summer. This will enshrine one of the most dominant careers in golf history at the heart of the rules and Traditions.

What has been on the cards since the Bob Jones Award was presented in 2024 is now official: the names of two of the most prestigious awards in golf are changing. From the 2026 season, the best young players in the world will compete for the "Tiger Woods Medal" (U.S. Amateur) and the "Tiger Woods Trophy" (U.S. Junior Amateur).

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Tiger Woods set a standard that made history

The USGA's decision is far more than a symbolic gesture. It is recognition of an era between 1991 and 1996 that is likely to go down in history as "unrivaled". Woods is the only player to accomplish the feat of capping three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur titles (1991-1993) with three straight victories at the U.S. Amateur (1994-1996).

"Tiger Woods has redefined what is possible in amateur golf," said USGA CEO Mike Whan during the announcement. "His achievements have not only set records - they have set a new standard of excellence." With a total of nine USGA titles, including three U.S. Opens, Woods shares the all-time record with legend Bobby Jones.

Premiere in summer 2026

The newly designed awards will be presented for the first time in just a few months. The "Tiger Woods Trophy" will make its debut at the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur (July 20-25) at Saucon Valley Country Club. Just a few weeks later, at the 126th U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club (August 10-16), the first "Tiger Woods Medal" will be awarded, appropriately featuring an engraving of Woods' iconic "fist pump" cheer.

For Tiger Woods himself, this honor closes a circle. In an official statement, the 15-time major winner described the news as "incredibly humbling". He emphasized the importance of these tournaments for his own path: "The U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur were defining moments in my development, both as a golfer and as a person." Woods also expressed his hope that the new titles would inspire young talent to "chase their dreams and appreciate the history and values of the game."

Tiger Woods' greatest amateur victories

Inclusion in the Olympus of golf icons

With this double honor, Woods moves into an extremely exclusive circle. So far, only the medals of the U.S. Open (Jack Nicklaus), the U.S. Women's Open (Mickey Wright) and - also new from this year - the U.S. Women's Amateur (JoAnne Carner) bear the names of golf legends. However, Woods is the first player to have awards named after him in two different championships at the same time.

For the future champions, winning these trophies now means a direct connection by name to the man who has shaped the modern game like no other. Amateur golf is therefore finally no longer just a transit station, but a monument to the sport in its own right.