Meet Tiger Woods’ Kids: Sam and Charlie Are Already Making Sports Headlines
Tiger Woods is making headlines in 2026. In March 2026, he was arrested on DUI charges following a rollover crash in Florida. And before this, he and girlfriend Vanessa Trump garnered attention for their new relationship. Now, we’re looking back at Tiger’s previous relationship with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, as they’ve mastered co-parenting for their two kids, Sam and Charlie Woods. Here’s what to know about Tiger’s children.
Tiger Woods’ daughter, Sam Alexis Woods, loves soccer instead of golf
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren’s daughter, Sam Alexis Woods, has largely grown up away from the spotlight. Born in 2007, her name holds personal significance. Tiger has said in past interviews that “Sam” was a nickname his father, Earl Woods, used for him growing up, a detail he shared in press conferences. Despite her connection to one of golf’s most recognizable figures, Sam has charted her own path, maintaining a relatively private life compared to other celebrity children.
When Sam was born, Tiger discussed how fatherhood changed him.
“It’s just time management and understanding where your priorities are, and our priorities are Sam,” he said, according to People. “That’s the one priority. And from there, you work it out from there. It’s been fantastic these last couple weeks to have Sam Alexis as part of our life. It was a dream come true for both Elin and myself. I’ve been changing diapers and doing feedings. I definitely don’t sleep now.”
“I think Elin and I talked about it on our first night, ‘How can you love something so much that didn’t exist the day before?’” he continued. “We never experienced anything like that. That was special and something that we want to experience again.”
In 2021, Tiger spoke about his relationship with his daughter to Jada Pinkett Smith on the Golf Digest mini-series, A Round with Tiger: Celebrity Lessons. He noted that Sam “has taught me how to be more patient.”
Tiger has also been open about Sam’s athletic interests. He noted in interviews that she preferred soccer to golf, even noting that golf has a “negative connotation” for her. Tiger has described himself as a “soccer dad,” frequently attending her games rather than pushing her toward the sport that made him famous. In 2025, he celebrated his daughter’s high school soccer championship win.
“They’re keen into soccer; if they want to play golf, that’s great,” he told Golf.com of his kids in 2018. “If they don’t, that’s fine, too. As long as they have a good time playing sports. I find that a lot of fun now, to be able to physically get out and pass the ball around with them. I get such a big kick out of watching them compete and play. It’s so much fun to see how happy and passionate they are about soccer.”
Although she rarely makes public appearances, Sam stepped into the spotlight in 2022 when she introduced her father at his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. She reflected on his resilience through injuries and personal setbacks in her speech.
The golf star’s son, Charlie Axel Woods, is following in his father’s footsteps
Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie Axel Woods, has quickly emerged as one of the most closely watched young players in golf. He was born in 2009, and his middle name pays tribute to his mother’s brother, according to People.
Charlie was introduced to golf at an early age. While speaking to Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiger called his son a “natural.” However, he has emphasized that he didn’t push his son into golf.
“I just don’t want him to hate the game,” Tiger said. “I get emotional about it. Some of my best memories are being out there with my dad.”
Charlie gained widespread public attention through his appearances alongside his father at the PNC Championship, where the two have competed together multiple times beginning in 2020. The tournament pairs major champions with family members. The teen’s mannerisms on the course, which range from fist pumps to club twirls, have frequently drawn comparisons to Tiger in his prime. Tiger has also discussed analyzing his son’s technique and helping him while keeping it fun.
According to People, Charlie reportedly claimed the top spot in a U.S. Kids Golf-sanctioned event in 2020. An insider told the publication that Charlie loves spending time with his dad while golfing.
“Tiger loves spending time with Charlie on the golf course, but he has a completely different vibe than Earl had while working with him,” an insider admitted to the publication. “Earl would sometimes be very strict. … Tiger loved being out there with Earl, but there were times that he’ll now say were just not any fun.”
The source added that Tiger is “definitely teaching him the right techniques.” And the father and son are “bonding” over their love of the sport.
Beyond exhibition play, Charlie has also begun to build his own competitive résumé in junior golf. His performances in youth tournaments have been tracked by media outlets. Tiger has acknowledged that attention in interviews, noting that while Charlie enjoys competing, he also faces added expectations because of his last name. Even so, Tiger has consistently stressed that the priority is for Charlie to have fun and grow at his own pace, rather than being defined solely by comparisons to his father.
