Jackie Nicklaus knows the Florida State golf program, knows the Seminole Legacy Golf Club and knows the area.
So when Nicklaus recently learned that Charlie Woods — the son of 15‑time major champion Tiger Woods — had committed to the Seminoles and would join coach Trey Jones’ top‑ranked 2027 recruiting class, his reaction was an enthusiastic double thumbs‑up.
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“I just saw that young Charlie made a commitment to FSU,” Nicklaus said in a text to the Tallahassee Democrat. “I think it will be a win‑win for both Charlie and FSU. I know Charlie is a nice young man — and, obviously, a wonderful talent.”
Woods’ commitment continues to generate buzz, even though the junior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, won’t arrive on campus for at least another 15 months. He is part of FSU’s top‑ranked 2027 recruiting class, which also includes the world’s top junior player, Miles Russell.
Nicklaus and Woods strengthen FSU’s reputation
While landing a commitment to a program like FSU is no small feat, having prestigious names such as Nicklaus and Woods linked to the university only enhances its appeal — from recruiting cachet to expanded access and resources.
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In 2017, Florida State hired Jack Nicklaus’ company, Nicklaus Design, to redesign its campus golf course, home to both the men’s and women’s programs. The Seminole Legacy Golf Club officially opened in 2020 following an $8 million–$10 million renovation directed by Nicklaus — widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time with a record 18 major championships — and his son, Jackie, who owns property in the area and frequently visits.
Additionally, Legacy has been recognized annually by GOLF.com as one of the top 30 courses in Florida.
“Obviously, having Jack Nicklaus’ name on the golf course is definitely a feather in the cap of Florida State University,” said Kenny Knox, a former FSU All‑American and three‑time PGA Tour winner.
“And if Tiger Woods is around — and I’m sure he watches Charlie play pretty much every round — the fact that he’ll be actively involved with the FSU golf program, hopefully for four years, who wouldn’t want that input?” Knox said. “In my opinion, it’s a huge benefit to have someone like Tiger Woods and his name attached to FSU through his son.”
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Knox, who has routinely played the par‑72 course that can stretch to 7,200 yards, also believes Seminole Legacy played a role in attracting Woods and other top recruits. Charlie Woods and Russell played the course during their recruiting visit last fall. The course is also earmarked for additional renovations.
“I think the course is one of the things that drew Charlie to FSU,” Knox said. “It’s a long course for the college scene, but the greens are typical Jack Nicklaus‑style greens — very large and undulating. You don’t always hit the ball at the hole; you have to work it. Once it lands on the green, you have to know how to move it toward the hole.
“You can’t put yourself in bad positions on the greens because you can three‑putt very easily,” he added. “I’d say the greens are the hardest part of the golf course, for sure. I love Legacy. It’s a great golf course.”
Woods, who regularly practices with his father at their home course in Jupiter, has shown growing athleticism and consistency. He helped lead his high school team to a FHSAA Class A state title in November, firing a 4‑under 68 in the final round. He was also named a first‑team All‑American by the American Junior Golf Association and is currently ranked No. 9 nationally in his recruiting class.
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Still, Knox emphasized that Woods will have to earn his spot once he arrives in Tallahassee.
“That’s the great thing about golf — everyone starts even every week,” Knox said. “He’ll have to earn his way onto the team and into tournaments. Florida State has one of the top programs in the country, and it won’t be easy. Nobody backs down at that level, and nobody gets sympathy.”
Here is FSU’s 2027 men’s golf commitments
FSU boasts the nation’s top 2027 recruiting class with Russell, Woods, Edwin Askerfors of Sweden and Kaden Puranik of Windermere. Here’s a look at the players’ accomplishments, compiled by College Golf Commits.
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Russell: 2025 Northeast Amateur: 2nd; 2024 South Beach l Amateur champion; 2025 Junior Invitational champion; 2025 AJGA Boys Simplify Championships champion; 2025 AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions champion.
Woods: 2025 AJGA Team Taylormade Invitational champion; 2025 Junior PGA Championship: 9th; 2025 North & South Junior Amateur: 11th
Askerfors: Five junior event wins in Sweden in 2024/2025; 2025 AJGA Junior Players Championship ship: 10th; Three AJGA top-5 finishes in 2025; 2024 Notah Begay National Championship: 2nd; Two FJT wins & two top-5 finishes in 2025
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Charlie Woods, Jack Nicklaus cement FSU golf legacy
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