Charlie Woods, the 16-year-old son of golf icon Tiger Woods, has made a verbal commitment to join the Florida State University men’s golf team in the fall of 2027, solidifying his path in collegiate athletics and drawing widespread attention in the sports world. The commitment was announced on February 10, 2026, through social media and confirmed by multiple news outlets. Charlie, currently a junior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, is ranked 21st in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and has shown rapid improvement in his game over the past year.
His golf credentials include winning the Team TaylorMade Invitational with a 15-under 201 score last May, which catapulted his AJGA ranking from 604th to 21st. He also tied for ninth at the Boys Junior PGA Championship and helped his high school team secure a Florida state championship in November with a final-round 68. These achievements highlight his growing prowess on the course and have made him one of the most watched junior golfers in the country.
The recruiting process was notably different from his father’s era, as Tiger Woods highlighted at the Hero World Challenge, pointing to the immediacy of cellphone communication compared to written letters. Charlie’s decision was influenced by Florida State’s strong program and coach Trey Jones, who has a track record of developing professional golfers like Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger, providing a proven pathway to success.
Florida State’s golf program is bolstered by this commitment, as Charlie joins a 2027 recruiting class that already includes Miles Russell, the top-ranked amateur golfer in the world. Coach Jones, entering his 23rd season, has led the Seminoles to consistent success, including a runner-up finish at the 2024 NCAA Championships, showcasing the program’s competitive edge and ability to contend for national titles.
By choosing Florida State, Charlie opted not to attend Stanford, where his father played college golf and where his sister Sam is currently a freshman. This decision underscores his desire to carve his own path while benefiting from FSU’s competitive environment and resources, setting the stage for a unique collegiate experience that could shape his future in the sport.
The commitment is expected to have significant implications for Florida State’s program, enhancing its recruiting appeal and potential for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Charlie, as a TaylorMade athlete, is poised to be a high-profile figure in college golf upon his arrival in 2027, bringing additional visibility and opportunities to the Seminoles, both on and off the course.
Looking ahead, Charlie will continue to compete in junior and amateur tournaments while preparing for his collegiate career. His progression is closely watched, with many anticipating that he could follow in his father’s footsteps to professional success, though he aims to establish his own legacy at Florida State, starting with this pivotal commitment that marks a new chapter in his athletic journey.
