Charlie Woods’ coach makes striking intelligence claim ahead of huge college golf decision

Charlie Woods continues to impress not only with his golf, but with his intelligence and work ethic away from the course as his highly anticipated college decision draws closer.

The son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods has enjoyed a breakthrough season both academically and athletically at the Benjamin School in Florida, where his head coach has made a striking claim about just how driven and gifted Charlie is compared to his peers.

Charlie's 2025 season marked a major step forward in his golf career. He claimed his first AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) title at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in March — a particularly meaningful win given Tiger Woods’ long-standing relationship with TaylorMade.

Charlie, 16, also produced one of the standout moments of the junior golf season by making a hole-in-one at TPC Sawgrass during the Junior Players Championship. 

He then rounded out the year by helping the Benjamin School secure State Championship honours, signing off in style with the lowest score of the final round — a composed 68 under pressure.

Those performances have placed the AJGA-ranked No.13 Woods firmly on the radar of college coaches across the United States, with recruitment already intensifying ahead of his expected 2027 enrolment. 

Florida State are believed to be among the frontrunners, particularly after their head coach was spotted speaking with Tiger Woods during the State Championship.

Tiger, who famously attended and set or broke every possible record at Stanford, has spoken openly about enjoying the process with his son — while making it clear that Charlie will ultimately make his own decision.

"It's been very different, the recruiting process," said Woods when asked about Charlie’s progress at the Hero World Challenge earlier this month.

"Now you have cell phones. We didn't have cell phones. We would have written letters that would show up in the mailbox. 'Oh, my God, I got a letter.'
"It's just very different how fast coaches can communicate with the family members and the player that they're trying to recruit. It's just a different world.

"Not saying it's good or bad, it's just different. It's fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has 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."

But while Charlie’s golfing potential is obvious, his head coach at the Benjamin School believes his intelligence and mindset are just as impressive.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Toby Harbeck — who serves as both golf coach, athletric trainer and English teacher — reflected on teaching Charlie in seventh grade and described him as an exceptional student.

“A fabulous student,” said Harbeck.

Harbeck also taught Charlie’s older sister Samantha but noted a clear difference in personality between the siblings.

“Very quiet. I didn't have to explain anything to him more than once,” Harbeck told the Daily Mail. 

“He's very smart… Charlie could probably go to any school in the country.”

Despite the inevitable comparisons to his famous father, Harbeck believes Charlie stands on his own merits.

“It's so unfair to compare,” Harbeck said of Charlie. 

He added, "He's got all the tools… he is a lot more driven than a lot of kids I've seen.”

That drive shows itself on the course too, where Harbeck has already seen flashes of elite-level power and shot-making.

“It's 320 [yards] to clear the creek,” explained Harbeck. “He cleared it by about 15 yards. And I thought: 'Wow, wow… he has another gear, if he wants it.

“Nothing would surprise me. And I hope it works out. I just want him to be happy in whatever he does, whether it's golf or selling real estate or doing nothing. I don't care. Just be happy. And that's what I want for all my kids,” added Harbeck.

Tiger Woods’ presence around the team has also been felt, with Harbeck praising the 82-time PGA Tour winner for knowing when to step back.

“Every state championship we've been to with Charlie, he's been there for us,” Harbeck said of Tiger.

Recalling Tiger attending one of Charlie’s freshman-year matches, Harbeck added: “I could tell he was a little jittery.

“He came up to me on the second or third hole [and asked]: 'Coach, what can I do... I don't want to break any rules or get us disqualified.'”

With elite golf performances, glowing academic praise and a mature approach to his future, Charlie Woods appears well placed to thrive wherever his college journey eventually takes him.

Where do you reckon Charlie Woods will go to college in 2027? 

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