When Tiger Woods turned professional in August 1996, progress came through mailed letters and patience.

Nearly three decades later, Woods agrees the sport his son is entering barely resembles the one that saw his rise. Speaking to Golfweek at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas earlier this week.

Tiger Woods described today’s recruiting environment as faster and very different.

READ: Tiger Woods, Charlie Woods playing status for the 2025 PNC Cha

“We didn’t have cell phones,” Woods said. “We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. It’s just a different world. Not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just different.”

The comments come as Charlie Woods continues to rise as a serious junior player in 2025. Ranked near the top of the American Junior Golf Association standings for the class of 2027, major college programs are already eyeing Charlie.

The same was on full display on November 15, when Tiger Woods and his ex-wife Elin Nordegren stood beside the green in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, watching Charlie compete in the Florida Class 1A state championship.

Playing as the top seed, Charlie helped The Benjamin School secure its fifth state title and its first since 2023.

“It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie,” Woods told Golfweek, pointing to improved scores, expanding opportunities, and the freedom his son now has to choose where he wants to play.

The recruiting process itself reflects how dramatically the sport has evolved. Where Tiger once waited for letters, Charlie now receives constant texts, calls, videos, and feedback from college coaches operating in real time.

Also, this must remind Tiger of the first time they came together on the course.

Tiger Woods first partnered with Charlie Woods at the PNC Championship

They finished seventh on their debut event in 2020. In 2021, Team Woods surged to second place, thanks to 11 consecutive birdies in the final round, finishing behind John Daly and his son.

Their lowest result came in 2022 with a tied-eighth finish, before rebounding to shared fifth in 2023, six shots back of Bernhard Langer. The format has suited Tiger physically, while Charlie’s improvement has made Team Woods a tournament fixture.

Tiger Woods, Charlie Woods playing status for the 2025 PNC Championship

He wasn’t able to play in his own event in the Bahamas and he’s a scratch at a popular family event.

Tiger Woods, who ruptured an Achilles earlier this year, also had (another) back surgery in October and that’s what’s keeping him on the shelf for now.

READ: Charlie Woods shows true colours with final actions as dad Tiger re

Will Tiger Woods play in the 2025 PNC Championship?

Ahead of the Hero World Challenge earlier this month, Tiger told the gathered media that he and son Charlie Woods will not play in the 2025 PNC Championship, Dec. 20-21, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes in Florida.

He also spoke about his injuries, his playing status, what his 2026 might look like and more. But the reality, he said, is it’s premature to put a timeline on his return.

“Not as fast as I’d like it to be,” he said

The PNC event has been a staple in Woods’ calendar in recent years, affording him a chance to play with his son but he made it clear there’s no reason to force it this time around.

“It wouldn’t be fair. Not only it wouldn’t be fair to my son, but it wouldn’t be fair to another team that could play and could have that experience that we’ve had for a number of years,” Woods said.

This is PNC Bank’s 14th year as the tournament’s title sponsor, having recently renewed its commitment to the event as title sponsor in a multi-year deal. The event was renamed the PNC Championship in 2020, reflecting the world-class talent and special bonds that characterize this inclusive family tournament.

To qualify for the PNC Championship, players must have won a major championship or the Players Championship. Their partner must not hold any playing status on a professional Tour.

Last year, Team Woods, making its fifth appearance in the family event, went toe-to-toe with Bernhard Langer, 67, and his 24-year-old son Jason down the stretch at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. The two teams finished the event knotted at 28 under. It marked the first playoff for Woods in more than a decade.

Tiger called it the thrill of a lifetime. Charlie called it the most fun he’s ever had on a golf course.

Charlie Woods shows true colours with final actions as dad Tiger reunites with ex-wife

Charlie Woods has demonstrated that he is a chip off the old block after draining a birdie on his final hole to clinch a school championship. And Dad Tiger was there to witness it alongside ex-wife Elin Nordegren.

The 16-year-old prodigy tied for the low final round of the day, as he helped Benjamin School win its second FHSAA Class 1A team title in three years. A birdie on the last saw him card a four under par 68 at Florida’s Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills, handing his private Palm Beach school victory ahead of The First Academy.

READ: Why Vanessa Trump entered Tiger Woods’ life at the perfect mome

Woods’ final round equalled the effort of First Academy senior Mingbo Jiang, who clinched the individual title by three shots, ahead of Woods’ Benjamin School teammate Andrew Tsar. Woods finished the tournament tied for fourth at two under par.

The teenager’s father, 15-time Major winner and all-time golfing great Tiger Woods, followed his son around the course across the tournament.

The 49-year-old former World No. 1 has high hopes for son Charlie, who is following a path well-travelled by his world-famous father. The youngster has rapidly ascended the junior golf rankings this year, winning May’s AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational before tying ninth at the Junior PGA Championship.

He was also recently named a first-team AJGA Rolex Junior All-American, ranking ninth in the AJGA rankings. He is AJGA’s highest-ranked 2027 recruit yet to commit to a college despite being cleared to speak to college coaches since June 15 this year.

According to the US-based Golf Channel, several leading schools are keen to take Woods under their wing, including Florida State. He will have to go some way the emulate the achievements of his father, however.

Tiger Woods, who attended Stanford University, has won a staggering 82 PGA Tour titles in addition to his 15 Major Championship triumphs and was World No. 1 for 683 weeks, cementing his place as a global sporting icon.

Speaking after winning the TaylorMade Invitational in May, Charlie Woods said: “It means so much because I haven’t really performed at the highest level yet. And to finally do it after all the work I have put in, and not playing well in big events in the past.

“Even though I know I am so much better than that, and for it all to finally come together is such a great feeling. Just being able to say to myself that I have won an absolutely amazing event and say that I have performed under high-pressure situations is huge going forward.

“I haven’t been able to say that I have done that, and now that I can, it is a big thing for my mental game going forward.”

Junior ace Woods will have been further buoyed by having both of his parents in attendance for his latest triumph on Sunday (November 16). Tiger Woods and Nordegren tied the knot in 2004 before divorcing six years later amid a high-profile relationship breakdown.

After driving his car into a tree outside his home, it emerged that Woods had been unfaithful to his wife in November 2009 before a string of women came forward with stories off alleged affairs. The divorced couple have two children together, Charlie, and his 17-year-old sister Sam.

In March 2025, Woods announced that he was dating Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Vanessa Trump was married to Donald Trump Jnr for 13 years before divorcing in 2018.

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.

READ: Why Vanessa Trump ‘Is the Closest Thing to a Soulmate Tiger

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.

READ: Snitch blows the lid on Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump… and reve

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.

READ: The supportive message Tiger Woods sent Serena Williams after h

“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.