Tiger Woods is taking a closer look at the next generation of his golfing legacy.

The 16-year-old Charlie Woods has been making waves in junior golf, following in his father’s footsteps while navigating a landscape vastly different from when Tiger first emerged as a global star. From advanced recruiting processes to modern communication tools, Charlie is stepping into a world Tiger describes as “very different.”

The elder Woods has been actively supporting his son, attending high-profile tournaments and tracking his development with keen interest. Charlie’s accomplishments this year have already earned him recognition and set the stage for an impressive career in golf.

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What Tiger Woods says about son Charlie’s golfing journey

Speaking to Golfweek at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Tiger Woods highlighted how much the junior golf scene has evolved. “We didn’t have cell phones. We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. ‘Oh, my God, I got a letter,'” he said. “It’s just very different, how fast coaches can communicate with the family members and the player that they’re trying to recruit. It’s just a different world. Not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just different.”

Tiger and his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, recently attended the Florida 1A state championship in Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla., where Charlie led his team as the top seed. The team captured its fifth state title and first since 2023. “It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has created for himself by playing better, places that he could play, wants to play, and ultimately we’ll decide where he wants to go play,” Tiger added.

Charlie Woods’ standout achievements in junior golf

Charlie has been turning heads in the junior golf circuit, most recently being named a first-team All-American by the American Junior Golf Association. The high school junior at the prestigious Benjamin School joins an elite group of 12 boys on the AJGA’s annual first team.

This year, Charlie won the Team TaylorMade Invitational, qualified for the US Junior Amateur for a second consecutive year, and finished tied for ninth at the Junior PGA Championship. He also competed in the Junior Players Championship, tying for 31st, and recorded a hole-in-one at TPA Sawgrass, his second in eight months, bringing him closer to his father’s record of 10 aces in high school.

Charlie Woods is carving out his own path while echoing the remarkable achievements of Tiger, whose own junior career included four straight years on his high school team and two AJGA Player of the Year honors in 1991 and 1992. The Woods legacy is clearly continuing, with the next generation already making its mark.

Tiger Woods opens up on son on Charlie’s ‘very different’ college recruitment process

Tiger Woods has shared that his son Charlie’s college recruitment process is “very different” from his own experience as the 16-year-old gears up for the next phase of his golfing journey.

Charlie is currently a student at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, where he studies alongside fellow budding golfer Kai Trump. He is expected to graduate in 2027, but several colleges are already courting him, hoping to persuade him to join their program.

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Kai Trump, whose mother Vanessa is Tiger’s girlfriend, recently committed to the University of Miami on a golf scholarship, following her grandfather Donald’s clear preference for her college selection.

Charlie enhances his profile

In addition to being the son of arguably the greatest golfer of all time, the young athlete also boosted his profile by aiding the Benjamin boys golf team in securing the Florida Class 1A State Championship in November. He shot a four-under 68 in the final round, clinching the program’s fifth state title.

His impressive individual performances this year have also earned him the No. 9 spot in the American Junior Golf Association rankings, reports the Irish Star.

However, Charlie is the only player currently in the Top 10 who has not yet committed to a university. According to his father, the situation isn’t as straightforward as it was when he was Charlie’s age, although the 15-time major champion confesses to finding the process enjoyable.

“It’s been very different, the recruiting process. Now you have cell phones. We didn’t have cell phones. We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. ‘Oh, my God, I got a letter,'” Woods said at his annual Hero World Challenge press conference in the Bahamas on Tuesday.

“It’s just very different how fast coaches can communicate with the family members and the player that they’re trying to recruit. It’s just a different world. Not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just different.

“It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has created for himself by playing better, places that he could play, wants to play and ultimately we’ll decide where he wants to go play.”

Charlie has experienced a remarkable 2025, marked by his inaugural AJGA tournament victory, a tie for ninth at the Boys’ Junior PGA Championship, and notably, the high school state championship. He also mirrored his father’s achievement by securing a position on the Rolex Junior All-American First Team 35 years later.

Kai Trump has refused to disclose whether or not she is a better golfer than her grandfather, Donald Trump

If he desires guidance from someone closer to his own age about his college choices, he could always consult fellow golf prodigy Trump, considering the 18 year old has already navigated the process herself. The U.S. President’s granddaughter announced her verbal pledge to the University of Miami back in August 2024, expressing gratitude to the 79 year old for giving her access to his nationwide network of golf courses, and he has continued to track her progress.

However, just last month, Trump officially became part of the Hurricanes golf roster, set to join the 2026 class next year. This came mere months after she reaffirmed her Miami commitment by starting her senior year of high school with a subtle tribute to the university.

Tiger Woods Makes Rare Comments About Lookalike Son Charlie, 16, Following in His Golf Footsteps in a ‘Different World’

Tiger Woods said golf is a “different world” for his son Charlie than it was when he was becoming a household name.

Speaking to Golfweek at the Hero World Challenge, a tournament in the Bahamas Tiger has hosted since 2015, the golf star made rare comments about his 16-year-old son following in his footsteps.

Tiger noted that the recruiting process has been “very different” for Charlie.

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“We didn’t have cell phones,” the father of two explained. “We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. ‘Oh, my God, I got a letter.’ “

Tiger continued, “It’s just very different, how fast coaches can communicate with the family members and the player that they’re trying to recruit. It’s just a different world. Not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just different.”

On Nov. 15, Tiger and his ex-wife Elin Nordegren supported their son at the Florida 1A state championship in Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla. Charlie was the top seed on the golf team, which won its fifth state title and first since 2023.

“It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has created for himself by playing better, places that he could play, wants to play, and ultimately we’ll decide where he wants to go play,” Tiger told Golfweek.

In October, Tiger underwent his seventh back surgery to address problems in his lower spine.

In a post on X following the procedure, Tiger wrote, “After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken. The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal.”

He added at the time, “I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.”

Tiger Woods provides latest update regarding Charlie Woods’ college golf decision

Tiger Woods says he’s relishing the chance to help his son Charlie navigate one of the most high-profile recruiting chases in junior golf — but insists no college decision is close yet, despite the mounting interest.

Speaking at the Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas on Tuesday, Woods, 49, ran through updates on his own playing status — joking about his 2026 schedule, confirming he won’t play the PNC Championship, and reiterating he has no timeline for a PGA Tour return.

READ: What John Daly achieved 11 times that Tiger Woods never man

But when the conversation shifted to Charlie’s future, Woods became noticeably animated.

“It’s been very different, the recruiting process,” said Woods.

“Now you have cell phones. We didn’t have cell phones. We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. ‘Oh, my God, I got a letter.’

“It’s just very different how fast coaches can communicate with the family members and the player that they’re trying to recruit. It’s just a different world.

“Not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just different. It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has that he has created for himself by playing better, places that he could play, wants to play and ultimately we’ll decide where he wants to go play.”

Charlie’s breakout 2025 season — highlighted by his first AJGA win, a TPC Sawgrass ace and a state championship sealed with a team-low 68 — has made the 16-year-old the most talked-about uncommitted junior in the Class of 2027.

Now ranked No.13 in the AJGA, he’s drawing serious attention from top programs.

Florida State coach Trey Jones walked with Tiger during last month’s state championship, while the Seminoles already boast a commitment from AJGA No.1 Miles Russell.

The Florida Gators have also moved aggressively with two top-10 junior signings and Walker Cup player Luke Poulter, son of Ryder Cup legend Ian.

Stanford — home to Tiger’s historic college career and daughter Sam’s current studies—remains a sentimental heavyweight.

Miami, boosted by Benjamin School teammate Kai Trump — daughter of Woods’ girlfriend Vanessa Trump — joining in 2026, is viewed as an emerging outsider.

Benjamin School coach Toby Harbeck recently captured the mood, telling The Palm Beach Post that Charlie has been “very mum-mum” about his preferences.

“There’s a lot of people that want him,” Harbeck said.

“It’s just where he feels most comfortable. He’s visited a couple schools. We’ll see.”

For now, though, the decision remains open — and Tiger is savouring the chance to walk through the process alongside his son.

Charlie Woods Keeps Colleges Waiting While Hype Intensifies

Charlie Woods is the only member of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Top 10 ranking who is not yet committed to a college. However, it is not for a lack of interest, especially after his 2025 season.

The son of the legendary Tiger Woods had several impressive results during the year, including his first victory in an AJGA tournament, the Team TaylorMade Invitational. He also finished T9 in the highly competitive Junior PGA Championship and T25 in the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley.

These performances have earned him the 9th spot among the best junior players in the country, according to the AJGA’s ranking. He was also selected for the AJGA’s All-America First Team.

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The good results have kept coming, and he recently led his Benjamin School team to the Class 1A Florida State Championship title. Woods finished T4 individually at 2-under but shot the best final round (4-under 68) to seal the victory for the Buccaneers.

With such performances, it’s no wonder there is a real buzz among the country’s top universities looking to sign him. In fact, the Palm Beach Post reported that Florida State head coach Trey Jones was present at Mission Resort + Club’s El Campeon, watching Woods win the State Championship.

Of course, the Seminoles aren’t the only program interested in Woods. Benjamin School head coach Toby Harbeck said that several schools want the youngest Woods and that the high school junior has even visited some campuses.

“Charlie’s very mum-mum about where he’s looking and what he’s thinking,” Harbeck told the Palm Beach Post. “There’s a lot of people that want him. It’s just where he feels most comfortable. He’s visited a couple schools. We’ll see. We’ll see.”

Charlie has kept his college plans tightly under wraps, leaving observers guessing which universities might interest him. Still, Stanford University seems an obvious contender given the family connection: Tiger spent two years there, making a lasting impact on college golf, and Charlie’s sister Sam is currently enrolled.

Stanford also boasts one of the nation’s premier golf programs, having produced stars like Tom Watson, Notah Begay III, Rose Zhang, and Rachel Heck.

Charlie Woods in hot demand over college golf career: Who’s in the race?

A wave of interest is unsurprisingly building around Charlie Woods, and according to those closest to him, conversations have already begun. Multiple college coaches and top programs are understood to be in talks with Tiger Woods’ son as they position themselves for one of the most coveted commitments in junior golf.

Charlie might be keeping his cards close to his chest over his next move, but the scramble to recruit him is very much underway—especially after what he has achieved in 2025.

At just 16 years old, the son of a certain 15-time major champion has become the most talked-about uncommitted talent in the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) Top 10.

READ: As Tiger Woods watches on, Charlie Woods has drastically different result to Kai Trump

Charlie’s breakout 2025 season, the strongest of his career to date, has turned quiet college golf enquiries into serious interest.

Charlie Woods in hot demand over college career

With his first AJGA win at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in March, a stunning ace at TPC Sawgrass during the Junior Players Championship over the summer, and leading Benjamin School to state championship victory last week, Charlie’s profile has soared.

The AJGA underscored his rapid ascent by naming him to its first-team All-American list, the same honour Tiger earned more than three decades ago.

Now ranked ninth in the AJGA standings heading into 2026, Charlie stands as the only top-10 junior still undecided over their college choice—a status that has made his recruitment one of the most intriguing plotlines in the sport.

Benjamin School head coach Toby Harbeck last week confirmed the growing interest, telling The Palm Beach Post that Charlie has been “very mum-mum” about his preferences despite plenty of coaches actively pursuing him.

“There’s a lot of people that want him,” Harbeck told the publication. “It’s just where he feels most comfortable. He’s visited a couple schools. We’ll see.”

Florida State leading race

One school that appears to be stepping forward is Florida State.

According to The Palm Beach Post, Florida State head coach Trey Jones was spotted speaking with Tiger Woods moments before Charlie posted a superb team-leading final-round 68 at the Florida Class 1A State Championship.

The Seminoles—2024 national runners-up—already have a commitment from rising superstar and AJGA No. 1 Miles Russell, so landing Charlie would complete a blockbuster 2027 recruiting class.

Meanwhile, the Florida Gators (University of Florida) have made early moves of their own, securing AJGA Top 10 prospects Giuseppe Puebla (No.2) and Jessy Huebner (No.4). The Gators already have Ian Poulter’s son Luke Poulter, who made the GB&I Walker Cup team this season.

Adding Charlie to either side of the Florida rivalry would therefore dramatically tilt the recruiting landscape in the state.

Follow in family footsteps?

Then there’s Stanford—the most sentimental option of all.

The Cardinal remain closely tied to the Woods family thanks to Tiger’s legendary collegiate career and Charlie’s sister Samantha currently studying there.

During his two seasons at Stanford (1994–1996), Tiger Woods set numerous records, including a school record of 11 tournament wins, a career stroke average of 70.96, and a dominant performance that led to him winning the 1996 NCAA Championship.

He was also named the Pac-10 Player of the Year twice, earned First-Team All-American honors, and won the Ben Hogan and Haskins Awards in 1996.

Stanford’s academic prestige and golfing pedigree make them a perennial contender for Charlie.

An outside contender for his signature could be the University of Miami, especially with Kai Trump, 18, heading up their college team in 2026.

Charlie’s father Tiger confirmed he is dating Kai’s mother Vanessa Trump earlier this season.

Kai, who also attends Benjamin School, made her LPGA debut last week at The Annika after receiving a sponsor exemption from golf legend Annika Sorenstam.

She received advice from Tiger before the tournament.

Kai went on to finish last but performed admirably given the circumstances, especially with a brilliant second-round 75 that included four birdies.

Big decision ahead for Charlie

For now, Charlie’s college choice remains unknown, but what is clear is the groundwork being laid behind closed doors.

College coaches are circling, conversations are happening, visits are underway, and as Charlie’s performances continue to elevate, the urgency among top programs is growing.

The American’s rapid rise on the state and national stage mirrors his increasingly crowded recruitment picture.

After a season that has shifted him from emerging talent to headline attraction, the next six months will see the battle for Charlie’s commitment intensify.

Charlie’s college choice will be one of the most defining storylines in junior golf next season, and whichever programme ultimately secures him will gain not only a premier recruit, but a player on a trajectory that continues to steepen with every round.