Charlie Woods vs. Noah Kent: Who is the better golfer in terms of handicap?

In the competitive world of amateur golf, two young stars are standing out with their impressive performances and potential. Charlie Woods and Noah Kent are two of the most popular young golfers. Both are the future of golf, but who has the better handicap?

Charlie Woods is only 15 years old, but he has the legacy of a big name and the potential to succeed. Despite being the son of Tiger Woods, he is forging his own path. His +3 handicap score shows he has a lot of talent at such a young age, because plus handicap scores are better than zero. This was evident when he wowed fans with the first eagle at the 2020 PNC Championship and made 11 birdies in a row in the final round of the 2021 father-son tournament. As the son of a legend, he is not only capitalizing on his father’s fame; he is on a quest to create his own fame.

He also attempted to qualify for the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic this year but failed, and suffered the same fate in US Open qualifying. He made his USGA debut this year but failed to make the cut after shooting a disappointing 12-over 82 in the first two rounds.

On the other hand, Noah Kent is a new generation of talented athletes coming from the amateur level. At 19, Kent has already established himself with a handicap score of under 2.4, which is why he participated in the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship and is now a finalist. He is studying sports and recreation management at the University of Iowa, where he also met his girlfriend. His recent performances, such as sharing T3 (two golfers finished on T1) with a score of 9 under par at the 2024 Porter Cup, are an indication of his ability on the green.

Woods Jr.’s handicap score of +3 is an indication of his talent and makes him the better of the two golfers on paper as his handicap is in the plus. Noah Kent, however, is what some would call a rising star.

Is Noah Kent a rising star in the golf world?

Noah Kent’s story is an example of someone who developed into a serious competitor. Kent was born in Naples, Florida, and his life changed after he met Rory McIlroy at the 2017 US Open, which prompted him to switch from hockey to golf. In 2023, he finished in the top 25 at the ANF Fall Classic, competing in all four tournaments as a freshman. He put on a stunning performance, shooting at least par in all four rounds, with a low round of 68 and a stroke average of 73.8. He was also named a 2023 Rolex Junior All-American.

But that’s not all: In spring 2024, he was one of only two players to compete in all tournaments, leading the varsity team with a stroke average of 72.8. Thanks to his consistent performance, he finished in the top 25 in five of seven spring events, including three in the top 10. His best performance was a low round of 63, which gave him the second-best 18-hole score in the school.

At the Puerto Rico Classic, he showed his skills by posting a low 54-hole score of 202, the third lowest in school history, to finish tied for third place. He contributed 31 of 33 rounds to the team’s performance, which could not go unnoticed, and he was awarded letterwinner status.

Additionally, Kent was ranked 560th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) in August 2024. Kent was named a Rolex Junior All-American in the fall of 2023. With so many amazing accomplishments, Kent is truly a rising star!