Tiger Woods’ son Charlie signs surprise agency deal separate from his father

Charlie Woods has taken another significant step in shaping his own path in golf, signing with Players Group Management — a different agency from the one that has long represented his father, Tiger Woods.

The update was first reported by Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter.

Charlie Woods, 17, last week announced he will play college golf at Florida State University beginning in 2027. 

Now per SBJ, the rising junior has secured his first representation deal, joining the same agency that manages his future Florida State teammate Miles Russell, the world’s top-ranked junior player.

Sources confirmed to the publication that Woods has signed with Players Group Management and he will be represented by Allen Hobbs, who also represents Russell. 

The agency reportedly declined comment when contacted by SBJ. 

Players Group Management’s client list includes established PGA Tour duo Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, as well as LIV Golf's Caleb Surratt who represents Jon Rahm's Legion XIII. 

Tiger Woods, meanwhile, has long been represented by Excel Sports Management.

The former World No.1 joined Excel Sports Management on 11 July 2011, moving from IMG alongside his long-term agent, Mark Steinberg. That move was announced after Steinberg left his previous position.

Charlie's big management move comes amid a remarkable surge in his junior career over the past 12 months.

Currently ranked 21st in the Rolex AJGA standings — an extraordinary leap from 604th just a season earlier — Woods has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in American junior golf.

The catalyst for that rise came at last May’s Team TaylorMade Invitational, where he captured his first AJGA title in emphatic fashion. Woods fired a superb 15-under-par total of 201 across 54 holes, a breakthrough performance that immediately elevated his national standing.

He followed that victory with a tied-ninth finish at the Boys Junior PGA Championship in July and a tie for 18th at the prestigious Rolex Tournament of Champions in November, further underlining his consistency against elite junior fields.

Woods also played a pivotal role in helping The Benjamin School secure the Florida High School Athletic Association Class A state title, closing with an impressive final-round 4-under-par 68 under pressure.

In addition, he earned a spot in last year’s Junior PGA Championship after winning the South Florida PGA Junior Cup in 2024 — another milestone in a rapidly expanding résumé that has caught the attention of college recruiters across the country.

Charlie's rise has been so promiment that even his father's former long-term golf coach Butch Harmon is interested in working with him some day. He also would quite like to needle Tiger at the same time! 

Listen to what Butch had to say here: 

Charlie’s rise on the course has coincided with two significant off-course decisions — both of which underline his intention to carve out his own identity in the game.

Earlier this month, Woods confirmed he will join Florida State in 2027, announcing the news on Instagram with the message: “Excited to announce my commitment to play golf at Florida State University — go Noles!”

His proud father Tiger then responded publicly beneath the post, writing: “Congratulations Charlie. I’m so proud of you on entering this next chapter of your life.”

The decision to attend Florida State means Charlie will not directly follow in his father’s collegiate footsteps at Stanford University.

Tiger spent two seasons at Stanford before turning professional in 1996, compiling one of the most decorated amateur careers in modern golf history. 

Woods won 11 collegiate tournaments in just two years, including eight victories in 13 starts during the 1995-96 season. 

That year, he claimed the NCAA individual title and was named the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year, earning first-team All-American honours in both 1995 and 1996.

Charlie, part of the 2027 recruiting class, earned first-team All-American honours last season from the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), mirroring his father’s accolade at junior level.

Adding another layer to the Stanford connection, Charlie’s older sister Samantha is currently a freshman at the California university. 

Yet despite those family ties, the younger Woods has chosen to remain in Florida and build his collegiate career in Tallahassee.

Florida State already boasts a strong golfing heritage. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka and former United States Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger are among its most notable alumni, and the programme has consistently produced PGA Tour talent.

Charlie does not yet have any NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) endorsement deals, confirms SBJ.

By comparison, top-ranked AJGA star Russell already holds agreements with TaylorMade, Nike and Liberty National Golf Club, among others. 

Florida State’s golf team is outfitted by Nike, which is of course Tiger's former long-term clothing and apparel sponsor. 

While the younger Woods profile continues to grow, the elder Woods is hosting this week’s Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

The 15-time major champion has not competed since missing the cut at The Open in July 2024 and continues his recovery from the seventh back surgery of his career, which he underwent in October 2025.

There is anticipation Woods could target a return at The Masters in April, although no competitive comeback has been confirmed.

For Charlie, however, the direction is already clear. 

With a college commitment secured, a first management deal in place — independent of his father’s long-time representation — and a dramatic climb up the junior rankings, the 17-year-old is steadily establishing himself as a serious talent in his own right.