Charlie Woods, the 16-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has made a bold and surprising decision for his future in the sport. In a surprising move, he has verbally committed to play college golf at Florida State University, breaking tradition in his family and shocking the golf community.
The news of Charlie’s decision broke on February 10th, 2026, when Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine reported that he had committed to Florida State. This decision has ended three decades of assumptions that Charlie would follow in his father’s footsteps and attend Stanford University, where Tiger himself had attended on a golf scholarship.
Charlie Woods’ talent on the golf course has been evident since he was a young child, often joining his father on the course and even participating in charity events like the PNC Championship. He has often been compared to his father, and there has been much anticipation around where he would choose to attend college.
With his verbal commitment to Florida State, Charlie has made a bold move that has surprised many. While Stanford and other top universities were vying for his commitment, he has chosen to go against the family tradition and take a different path. This decision has not only shocked the golf world, but it also demonstrates Charlie’s independence and confidence to make his own choices.
The decision to attend Florida State may have been unexpected, but it is undoubtedly an exciting one. The university has a strong history of producing top golfers, including Ryder Cup champions Hubert Green and Paul Azinger. It also boasts a top-rated golf program, led by Head Coach Trey Jones, who has been at the helm since 2001. With its rich history and top-notch golf program, Florida State is a perfect fit for Charlie Woods to continue his development and reach new heights in his golf career.
Moreover, Florida State also provides an opportunity for Charlie to create his own legacy separate from his father’s shadow. Tiger Woods is arguably one of the greatest golfers of all time, and it can be a daunting task to live up to his name. By choosing a different path and attending a different university, Charlie is showing that he is his own person and will make his own mark in the world of golf.
While some may question this decision, it is essential to remember that Charlie is only 16 years old. He still has plenty of time to grow and develop as a golfer before turning professional. By attending Florida State, he will have access to top-notch coaches and facilities, which will help him reach his full potential.
In addition, Florida State is also known for its strong academic programs, which will ensure that Charlie receives a well-rounded education alongside his golf training. As we have seen in the past, a well-rounded education can be just as valuable as athletic success, and Florida State provides the perfect balance for Charlie to excel in both areas.
Charlie Woods’ decision to attend Florida State is one that has shocked and surprised many, but it is a decision that should be celebrated. By breaking tradition and choosing a different path, Charlie has shown that he is a strong, independent, and confident young man. He has also chosen a university with a rich history and top-ranked golf program, which will undoubtedly help him reach new heights in the sport.
We can look forward to seeing Charlie Woods don the Florida State jersey and continue to impress on the golf course in the coming years. His bold decision has certainly added a new level of excitement and anticipation to the world of golf, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young, talented golfer.