Why Charlie Woods chose Florida State golf and decided not to follow Tiger Woods’ famous college path at Stanford

Charlie Woods made a big choice this week, and it caught many people off guard. At just 17, he decided where he wanted to play college golf. Instead of going where his famous father went, Charlie chose a different road.

On February 10, 2026, Charlie Woods announced that he will play college golf at Florida State University. The news came during his birthday week and quickly spread across the golf world. Many expected him to follow Tiger Woods to Stanford, but that did not happen. Charlie stayed in Florida and picked a school that felt right for him.Charlie Woods has grown up around golf, but his journey has never been rushed. He played soccer when he was younger and slowly moved toward golf as he got older.

His father, Tiger Woods, began coaching him more closely in early 2020, helping him understand the game step by step. Now, Charlie is ready for the next level. His college decision shows that he wants to build his own story, not live inside someone else’s shadow.

Charlie Woods explains why Florida State University fit him better than Stanford

Charlie Woods is a junior at The Benjamin School and is part of the Class of 2027. He will join the Florida State Seminoles in the fall of 2027. Staying in Florida played a big role in his choice.

It keeps him close to home, familiar courses, and a support system he trusts.Age also matters here. Charlie Woods turned 17 on February 8, 2026. Just two days later, he shared his FSU commitment. That timing made the moment feel personal and thoughtful, not rushed.On the course, Charlie’s game is rising fast. As of February 10, 2026, he is ranked No. 21 in the national Rolex AJGA Rankings for boys. Over the past year, he won his first AJGA major in May 2025 and finished inside the top ten at the Junior PGA Championship.

Those results show steady growth, not hype.Many fans still point to Stanford, where Tiger Woods studied from 1994 to 1996. Tiger left school early to turn pro and went on to change golf forever. But Charlie is not trying to repeat that path. His choice of Florida State shows comfort, patience, and confidence in his own plan.