In a significant announcement for the world of collegiate golf, Charlie Woods, the 17-year-old son of golf icon Tiger Woods, has declared his commitment to Florida State University. The news broke via an Instagram post on Tuesday, where Charlie expressed his excitement about joining the Seminoles, marking a pivotal step in his burgeoning athletic career.
Following in Legendary Footsteps
Charlie Woods, currently a junior at Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, is ranked 21st in the American Junior Golf Association standings. His decision to attend Florida State comes after a competitive recruiting process, with the university successfully wooing him away from other elite programs, including Stanford, where his father played and his sister, Sam, is a freshman.
Tiger Woods commented on his son's announcement, stating, "Congratulations Charlie. I'm so proud of you on entering this next chapter of your life." The elder Woods also reflected on the evolution of recruiting, noting that today's process is "very different" due to instant communication via cellphones, contrasting with the slower, letter-based methods of his youth.
Strengthening Florida State's Roster
Charlie will be part of Florida State's class of 2027, joining fellow AJGA-ranked player Miles Russell, who committed to the program last year. Trey Jones, head coach and director of golf at FSU, played a key role in recruiting Charlie, having watched him shoot a round of 68 to help secure the Florida High School Athletic Association 1A state championship in November.
Florida State's golf program boasts a strong legacy, having produced notable alumni like Brooks Koepka. Charlie's addition is expected to bolster the team's competitive edge, as he brings experience from high-profile events, including becoming the youngest competitor in the PNC Championship at age 11, where he and his father finished as runners-up.
This commitment highlights the ongoing influence of Tiger Woods in the sport, while also showcasing Charlie's independent path in collegiate athletics. As he prepares to transition to university life, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds at Florida State.
