Charlie Woods made his college decision official this week, and it surprised plenty of people.
On February 10, 2026, just days after turning 17, Woods announced he will play college golf at Florida State University. Many expected him to follow his father, Tiger Woods, to Stanford. Instead, he chose a different route.
For Charlie, the decision was about fit, comfort, and building something of his own.
Staying home, staying grounded
Woods is currently a junior at The Benjamin School and part of the Class of 2027. He will join the Florida State Seminoles in the fall of 2027.
Geography played a major role.
Remaining in Florida keeps him close to family, familiar courses, and a support system he trusts. For a player who has grown up under constant attention, stability matters. Florida State offered both elite golf and a comfortable environment.
The timing of the announcement also felt deliberate. Woods turned 17 on February 8. Two days later, he shared his commitment publicly. It did not feel rushed. It felt considered.
A game trending upward
Woods’ decision comes at a moment when his game is clearly progressing.
As of February 10, 2026, he sits at No. 21 in the Rolex AJGA Boys Rankings. In May 2025, he captured his first AJGA major title, a milestone that signaled real competitive growth. He also recorded a top-10 finish at the Junior PGA Championship.
The results point to steady development rather than hype-driven momentum. His rise has been measured, not forced.
Not following Tiger’s Stanford blueprint
Tiger Woods famously attended Stanford from 1994 to 1996 before turning professional and reshaping the sport. Given that history, Stanford often felt like the obvious landing spot for Charlie.
But this decision reinforces something important. Charlie Woods is not trying to recreate his father’s path.
He played soccer in his early years before gradually committing to golf. Tiger began working more closely with him in 2020, guiding his development step by step rather than pushing him prematurely.
Choosing Florida State over Stanford signals independence. It shows confidence in his own timeline and trust in what feels right for him.
Building his own story
At 17, Charlie Woods is stepping into a new chapter with national attention already following him. By committing to Florida State, he made it clear that comfort, continuity, and personal growth outweigh symbolism.
The Woods name carries history.
Florida State gives Charlie the chance to write his own.
