Charlie Woods, the son of golf icon Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, just took a major step in his own athletic journey-committing to play golf at Florida State University. The announcement came on February 10, just two days after Charlie celebrated his 17th birthday. And while the last name "Woods" naturally brings expectations, Charlie is carving out his own path in the game, one swing at a time.
A Rising Star at Benjamin School
Charlie is currently a junior at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida-a private prep school that’s made headlines not just for its academics, but for its ties to some of the country’s most recognizable names. He’s been a standout on the school’s varsity golf team since his freshman year, when he helped lead them to a state championship.
Now set to graduate in 2027, Charlie’s decision to commit to FSU ends months of speculation about where he’d land. Ever since his recruitment window officially opened in the summer of 2025, there’s been plenty of buzz around his college future. With this commitment, the Seminoles have secured one of the most high-profile names in junior golf.
Following a Different Path Than His Father
Tiger Woods famously attended Stanford University before turning pro in 1996. That connection had some wondering if Charlie might follow suit. But the younger Woods has opted to take his talents to Tallahassee, where he’ll join a Florida State golf program with a strong history of developing top-tier talent.
It’s a decision that signals Charlie’s intent to forge his own identity in the sport. While comparisons to his father are inevitable-especially with Tiger often seen walking the course beside him during tournaments-Charlie’s game, demeanor, and now his college choice all point to a young athlete determined to write his own story.
A School With Some Familiar Names
Charlie isn’t the only student bringing national attention to the Benjamin School. His older sister, Sam Alexis Woods, graduated in 2025. A multi-sport athlete, Sam played soccer and ran track before heading west to attend Stanford University-just like her dad.
Also walking the halls of Benjamin is Kai Madison Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump and daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump. A senior, Kai committed to play golf at the University of Miami and is expected to begin there in the fall of 2026. Like Charlie, Kai is part of a new generation of student-athletes who grew up in the spotlight but are now building their own athletic resumes.
Charlie’s mother, Elin Nordegren, and Tiger Woods have long kept their children’s lives relatively private, but moments like these-college commitments, championship wins-bring them into the public eye. And with Vanessa Trump, Kai's mother, now dating Tiger Woods, the family ties at Benjamin School have only grown more intertwined.
The Price Tag of Prestige
Attending the Benjamin School doesn’t come cheap. For the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for high school students is listed at $38,595, up from $37,200 the year before. But for families like the Woods and Trumps, the investment is about more than academics-it’s about opportunity, exposure, and a platform to develop both in the classroom and in competition.
What’s Next for Charlie?
With his commitment to FSU now official, Charlie can focus on finishing his junior year and continuing to sharpen his game. He’ll have one more season at Benjamin before making the jump to the college level in the fall of 2027.
And while the name on the back of his shirt will always carry weight, Charlie Woods isn’t just Tiger’s son anymore. He’s a legitimate golf prospect, a state champion, and soon, a Seminole. The spotlight will stay on him, no doubt-but he’s proving that he’s more than ready for it.