The world of professional golf was rocked by controversy after LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil delivered a brutally harsh and unexpected message targeting none other than Charlie Woods — the teenage son of golf legend Tiger Woods. O’Neil’s comments, described by fans as “devastating” and unnecessary,

immediately set off a firestorm of backlash across social media platforms, with many calling for a full boycott of LIV Golf events.

In his controversial statement, O’Neil dismissed Charlie Woods’ potential in the sport, painting him as nothing more than an overhyped young player living in the overwhelming shadow of his iconic father.

“He’s just an average young talent,” O’Neil remarked, adding, “He acts like he’s destined for greatness, but in reality, he’s only chasing his father’s shadow.”

The blunt assessment sent shockwaves through the golf community. While some critics have occasionally questioned whether Charlie’s rising profile is due more to his last name than his actual skills, very few — especially at the executive level — have been so openly dismissive of a 15-year-old golfer still developing his game.

Charlie Woods has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, not only for his undeniable talent on the course but also for the touching father-son bond he shares with Tiger. Their appearances together at the PNC Championship have been some of the most heartwarming and talked-about moments in modern golf. Many see Charlie as a symbol of golf’s future, a rare blend of legacy and raw potential, making O’Neil’s comments particularly jarring.

The backlash was swift and fierce. Fans flooded LIV Golf’s official social media accounts with demands for O’Neil’s resignation, accusing him of unnecessarily targeting a teenager and trying to diminish the legacy Tiger Woods has spent decades building. Some fans even went as far as declaring they would boycott all LIV Golf events until O’Neil issues a public apology — not just to Charlie, but to the Woods family as a whole.

Golf analysts were also quick to weigh in, calling O’Neil’s comments unprofessional and detrimental to the sport’s future. “You can critique talent, you can debate potential — but publicly humiliating a 15-year-old who hasn’t even had the chance to fully prove himself? That crosses a line,” one prominent commentator said.

As the controversy spirals, Tiger Woods has yet to issue a public response, though sources close to the family suggest the 15-time major champion was “deeply disappointed” by the comments. Tiger, who has been fiercely protective of Charlie’s development, has always stressed the importance of letting his son carve out his own path, free from unfair comparisons or external pressure.

Ultimately, Scott O’Neil’s scathing remarks may prove to be more damaging to LIV Golf’s image than to Charlie Woods’ future. If anything, the overwhelming wave of support for the young golfer could become a rallying cry for his continued rise, as fans and fellow players alike reject the notion that his surname defines his ceiling.

In the end, the backlash serves as a powerful reminder: the golf world doesn’t just respect Tiger Woods — they’re ready to fiercely defend his son as well.