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.

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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.