Nine-Time USGA champion joins esteemed list of influential figures with USGA medal in their names
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced during its Annual Meeting in New York City 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 to honor Tiger Woods, recognizing one of the most extraordinary competitive careers in the history of the game and his unparalleled resume in amateur golf.
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, each champion will receive the Tiger Woods Medal and the Tiger Woods Trophy, respectively, celebrating Woods’ legacy as the only player to win three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur Championships and three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships — a feat that remains unmatched.
“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 captured the U.S. Junior Amateur title in 1991, 1992 and 1993, followed by three consecutive U.S. Amateur victories in 1994, 1995 and 1996. His six straight USGA amateur championships laid the foundation for a historic career that includes a total of nine USGA championship victories, highlighted by U.S. Open wins in 2000, 2002 and 2008. Woods’ nine USGA championship victories are tied with Bob Jones for the most in history.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Woods’ influence on the game has extended far outside the ropes. He helped introduce golf to new audiences around the world, inspired generations of junior players and elevated the visibility and significance of amateur competition as a pathway to the highest levels of the sport. He was the recipient of the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, in 2024.
“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 joins a select group of golf’s most influential figures to be honored through the naming of USGA championship medals. The U.S. Open gold medal bears the name of Jack Nicklaus, while the U.S. Women’s Open medal honors Mickey Wright. Most recently, the USGA announced 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.