Why Charlie Woods picked FSU for college golf instead of following Tiger’s footsteps originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Since making a notable entry into the golf scene, Charlie Woods has garnered considerable admiration within the sport.
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After all, his father is Tiger Woods, widely recognized as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Tiger Woods took on a coaching and mentorship role for his son, Charlie, in early 2020.
Although Charlie participated in sports from a young age, he initially played soccer. He gradually shifted his full attention to golf as opportunities in team sports became less accessible.
Now, Charlie is prepared to take the next step in his career, though his decision has surprised many.
The Sporting News examines why Charlie Woods chose to attend Florida State University for college golf rather than follow his father’s path.
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Charlie Woods college
On February 10, 2026, Charlie shared his decision to play collegiate golf at Florida State University (FSU).
As a proud junior at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Florida, Woods is part of the Class of 2027 and looks forward to joining the Seminoles in the fall of 2027.
By choosing FSU, he opted to remain in his home state rather than follow his father, Tiger’s, path to Stanford University.
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How old is Charlie Woods?
As of February 2026, Charlie Woods is now 17 years old. He was born on February 8, 2009, celebrating his 17th birthday this past Sunday.
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Exciting news came during his birthday week—Woods announced his verbal commitment to play college golf at FSU just two days after his birthday.
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Charlie Woods golf ranking
As of February 10, 2026, Charlie Woods holds the position of No. 21 in the national Rolex AJGA Rankings for junior boys.
His ranking has notably advanced over the past year, attributable to exemplary performances such as his inaugural major AJGA victory in May 2025 and a top-ten finish at the Junior PGA Championship.
Here are Charlie’s rankings per category.
|
Category |
Rank |
|
Rolex AJGA |
No. 21 |
|
Class of 2027 |
No. 9 |
|
Universal Golf |
No. 43 |
|
Junior Golf Scoreboard |
No. 61 |
Where did Tiger Woods go to college?
Tiger proudly attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He started there in the fall of 1994 on a golf scholarship and enjoyed two great years before turning professional in August 1996.
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During his brief but impactful tenure at Stanford, Woods set multiple program records that lasted for decades.
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