Cheyenne Woods, Tiger's Niece, Qualifies for US Women's Open

Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, qualified for the U.S. Women's Open on Thursday.

Woods qualified for the event after a two-day qualifier at Carolina Trace Country Club in Sanford, N.C., where she finished as a co-medalist.

She recently turned pro following a successful four-year career at Wake Forest, including a 2011 ACC Championship. In addition to qualifying for the U.S. Open, she also earned an exemption to play at next week's LPGA Championship.

Woods is the daughter of Tiger's half-brother, Earl Woods Jr., named after their father. That side of the family has become disjointed with Tiger since the death of the elder Earl Woods, but the famous golfer has made time for his golf-playing niece.

There was a controversy ahead of the Masters that Tiger Woods had essentially abandoned his family, including his brother, Kevin Woods, who is suffering from multiple sclerosis. Kevin Woods has struggled with paying for some of his bills, but Tiger Woods reportedly has been unwilling to help out financially.

We haven't asked Tiger for a dime, Woods Jr. told ESPN. Not even tickets to a tournament. But Kevin's losing his home. He needs a caregiver and he can't have a caregiver and keep his home at the same time. And we can't do that, we don't have the means. He can't move into Royce's house because of the stairs. And he's got a dog.

Nobody's asking for money here, but [a caregiver] really would be nice for Kevin. It would make Kevin comfortable. He wouldn't have to leave his house. ... But we'd at least like to be able to find out how Tiger is, to find out if he's OK, and to let him know if we're OK.