Charlie Woods officially signed his athletic grant-in-aid agreement with Florida State University on Wednesday. The 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods announced the move on social media, confirming his college golf future is set for Tallahassee. He said, “Proud to officially be a Seminole!” in a post that marked the end of a months‑long recruitment process.
Both Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren attended the event with family and friends to support their son. Woods will skip Stanford University, the alma mater of his father, to join the Seminoles. He plans to finish his final season at Benjamin School before starting his college career in autumn 2027.
A Major Recruit for the Seminoles
Florida State head coach Trey Jones secured a top-tier talent with this commitment. Woods joins a recruiting class that also includes Miles Russell, the No. 1-ranked junior golfer in the country. Russell holds the No. 4 amateur ranking in the world, joining the program.
The program achieved a runner-up finish in the 2024 NCAA tournament under Jones. The coach has spent more than two decades developing players like Brooks Koepka and Luke Clanton. Woods had already committed to the school and Jones in February, but the Wednesday announcement made the deal official. He thanked his family and coaches, writing, “Huge thank you to my family, coaches, and everyone who has helped me get here.”
This decision keeps Woods in his home state of Florida rather than moving to California. His recent play on the junior circuit supports the high expectations for his future. May 2025 saw him claim victory at the AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational, and recently he helped Benjamin School win a Florida regional championship at Miami Shores Country Club. In that regional event, he carded a 1-under-par 70 at Miami Shores Country Club.
Tiger Woods Hints At December Return
Tiger Woods is focused on an immediate return to competitive play. The 50-year-old has not competed on the PGA Tour since missing the cut at the 2024 Open Championship in Scotland. He told Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio on Tuesday that his physical condition has improved significantly. “I’m feeling better, no doubt about that,” Woods said during the interview.
Woods confirmed he will attend the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas starting December 3, as the host and potentially as a competitor. He has been training heavily to prepare for the event, which features a 20-man field. “I’ve been training quite a bit. I will be at Hero [World Challenge]. I’m there either way, so I’ll see you there,” he stated. The tournament is a no-cut, 72-hole event that Woods hosts annually.
His path to this point has included significant health challenges and legal issues. Tiger Woods’s most recent competitive golf appearance occurred in March 2025, followed later that year by an Achilles tendon rupture and his seventh back surgery. He also faced a DUI arrest in March 2026 following a single-vehicle crash on Jupiter Island. He pleaded no contest to reckless driving charges, resulting in a five-year license suspension.
Future Plans and Teammates
Tiger is expected to compete in the PNC Championship in Orlando from December 17 to 20. The event allows him to play alongside Charlie, who is still an amateur. The tournament is a 36-hole, two-person scramble format where players are permitted to use a cart.
Tiger also aims to return for the TGL season opener in December, barring any new physical setbacks. Sources told ESPN last month that he is expected to play in the season-opening match at Jupiter Links GC on December 27. The 15-time major champion has been working to get back on course after a difficult 2026. His son committed to Florida State while the father works to regain his spot on tour.
