Charlie Woods makes surprise career move as legendary father Tiger watches on
Charlie Woodshas made a major move in forging his own golfing future, after the 17-year-old prodigy reportedly inked a deal with Players Group Management. Charlie, who came joint-ninth at the Junior PGA Championship last August, revealed last week he would be studying and competing at Florida State University from 2027.
Now, according to Sports Business Journal, Charlie has secured his first representation agreement with Players Group Management - a separate firm from the one that has represented his father, Tiger Woods, for years. Charlie will work with Allen Hobbs, the same representative who looks after his incoming Florida State teammate Miles Russell, the globe's highest-ranked junior golfer.
PGA Tour pair Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, alongside LIV Golf's Caleb Surratt, feature among Players Group Management's roster. Tiger, by contrast, has been with Excel Sports Management for years.
The 15-time major winner joined Excel in 2011, departing IMG alongside his long-standing representative Mark Steinberg. Charlie's notable management decision follows a remarkable rise in his standing over the past 12 months.
• Tiger Woods issues health update and gives telling response over Masters return
• Rory McIlroy has one wish after banking whopping six-figure sum at Pebble Beach
The teenager born in 2009 sits 21st in the Rolex AJGA rankings - a dramatic climb from 604th just a year before. He has proven himself as one of golf's brightest young talents - and many are hoping he can mirror the achievements his father enjoyed throughout his illustrious career.
Tiger is recognised as the second most successful golfer of all time, with the 50 year old clinching the Masters five times, the PGA Championship four times, the US Open thrice and the Open Championship three times. Charlie secured his first AJGA title in a commanding manner at last May's Team TaylorMade Invitational.
In fact, he shot an impressive 15-under-par total of 201 across 54 holes. It was a standout performance from Charlie, which boosted his national standing. He followed up that victory with a joint-ninth finish at the Boys Junior PGA Championship in July and another tie, this time in 18th at the Rolex Tournament of Champions in November, further demonstrating his progress against some of the most talented young players.
Speaking about his son's progress in December, Tiger told Golfweek: "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."
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!