Story byPhoto by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesJames ShearmanSun, March 1, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC·2 min readTiger Woods described the United States Golf Association’s decision to rename two of its most prestigious amateur awards in his honor as “incredibly humbling.”The USGA announced that the medals awarded to the US Amateur champion and the trophy presented to the US Junior Amateur champion will now bear Woods’ name. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBeginning later this year, winners will receive the Tiger Woods Medal and the Tiger Woods Trophy. The move recognizes one of the most dominant amateur careers in golf history. For Woods, it represents a full-circle moment. Tiger Woods reacts to US Amateur and US Junior Amateur awards being renamedThe changes will take effect at the 126th US Amateur at Merion Golf Club and the 78th US Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club. Woods remains the only player to win three consecutive US Junior Amateur titles from 1991 to 1993, followed by three straight US Amateur victories from 1994 to 1996. His six consecutive USGA amateur championships remain unmatched. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“The USGA and its championships have played an enormous role in my life,” Woods said on the USGA website. Photo by David Cannon/“The US Junior Amateur and US 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’ amateur dominance laid the foundation for a professional career that includes nine USGA championship victories, tied with Bob Jones for the most in history. Those titles include US Open triumphs in 2000, 2002, and 2008. He was also awarded the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, in 2024. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMike Whan explains why the USGA chose to honor Tiger WoodsUSGA CEO Mike Whan said the decision reflects Woods’ transformative impact on amateur golf.“Tiger Woods redefined what was possible in amateur golf,” Whan said.
