Tiger Woods responded to his son Charlie revealing his latest decision towards becoming a professional golfer

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Charlie Woods is forging his own path in golf through his decisions(Image: AP)

Tiger Woods has made his genuine feelings known about his son Charlie’s decision not to follow in his footsteps after the teenager made two significant career choices. The 17-year-old is an amateur golfer who has participated in numerous tournaments alongside his iconic father whilst trying to establish himself on the amateur circuit.

Before turning professional in 1996, the 15-time major winner opted to study at Stanford University to advance his education. Despite his amateur standing in 1995, he took part in the Masters but ultimately departed the esteemed institution after two years to concentrate on his golfing career.

Nearly three decades after leaving Stanford, Charlie chose to turn down the chance to attend his father’s former university in favour of studying at Florida State University. Born and brought up in the Sunshine State, the youngster decided to remain near home and announced his choice on Instagram.

He posted: “Excited to announce my commitment to play golf at Florida State University – go Noles!” While some might have assumed Tiger would be disappointed by Charlie’s decision, nothing could be further from reality.

The five-time Masters winner took to social media to express his backing, writing: “Congratulations Charlie. I’m so proud of you on entering this next chapter of your life.”

Tiger does have one of his children at Stanford, with his daughter studying at the university, and he has long voiced his desire for Charlie to make his own choices about his future.

Speaking at the Hero World Challenge in December, he said: “It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see the opportunities he has that he has created for himself by playing better, places he could play, wants to play, ultimately will decide where he wants to go play.”

Charlie’s latest move towards carving out his own path in golf reportedly involved signing with Players Group Management. According to Sports Business Journal, the Florida-born golfer is now represented by the agency – a different firm from his father, who has been with Excel Sports Management since 2011.

The teenager is expected to be managed by Allen Hobbs, who also looks after his future Florida State teammate Miles Russell, currently the world’s top-ranked junior player.

Players Group Management has established quite a presence in golf, with clients including PGA Tour duo Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, alongside LIV Golf’s Caleb Surratt.