Tiger Woods’ son had to give up the sport he grew up preferring

Charlie Woods, son of the legendary Tiger Woods, is rapidly becoming a name to watch in the world of junior golf.

At just 16 years old, Charlie’s recent triumph at the prestigious American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Team TaylorMade Invitational is the clearest signal yet that the young athlete is carving his own legacy in the sport. Yet, his rise is anything but typical-even surprising to those who assume he was born swinging a golf club.

A Late Shift Toward Golf

Unlike many of his golfing peers, Charlie didn’t spend his childhood solely focused on the sport. Growing up in Jupiter, Florida, after moving from Orlando, his passion initially leaned toward soccer. For years, Charlie played with local teams and had little interest in competitive golf, preferring to chase a ball on the pitch instead of the green.

Everything changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With organized sports on hold and more time at home, Charlie began to play golf more regularly-often alongside his father. It was during this period of personal and global pause that Charlie found his love for the game. What started as a casual interest quickly became a serious pursuit. From that moment, his dedication to improvement took off.

Fast forward a few years, and Charlie Woods now stands out as one of the most promising young golfers in the country. His win at the Team TaylorMade Invitational, where he shot a final round 66 with eight birdies, was a defining moment in his young career. That performance not only gave him his first AJGA title but also cemented his place among the sport’s top teen talents.

Tiger Woods, who has been by Charlie’s side at several tournaments including the PNC Championship, has been vocal about his son’s steady improvement.

“He’s gotten better at every facet of the game,” Tiger said, beaming with pride.

“What he’s been able to accomplish so far is incredible, and the ceiling he has is unlimited.”

One of their most heartwarming shared moments came recently, when Charlie scored his first hole-in-one during a Pro-Am event-with Tiger and his sister Sam present. The moment went viral online and was described by Tiger as one of the most special in his life.

“It wasn’t about winning that day,” he said.

“It was about having that moment together as a family.”

Off the course, Charlie is also beginning to attract financial attention. Reports estimate his net worth around $25 million-largely due to a trust fund set up by his father and the commercial buzz surrounding his potential.

While it’s impossible to predict how Charlie’s career will unfold, one thing is clear: he’s no longer just Tiger’s son. Through talent, determination, and a deepening passion for the game, Charlie Woods is fast becoming a star in his own right-with the golfing world watching every swing.