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Does Sam Woods Golf? Her True Sports & Stanford Path
For years, the golf world has been captivated by the legacy of the Woods family, watching closely as Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, steps onto the green. But a common question lingers for many fans who see his daughter supporting him from the sidelines: does Sam Woods golf? The answer is more complex and far more interesting than a simple yes or no, revealing a personal story about family, individual passion, and forging one’s own path.
No, Sam Woods does not play golf professionally. While she supports her father on the course, her own athletic passions are in soccer and track and field, driven by a “negative connotation” she developed with golf during her childhood. This article unpacks the full story, using direct statements and documented achievements to explain why she chose a different field of play and how she’s becoming a champion in her own right.
Key Facts
- A “Negative Connotation” with Golf: Sam Woods avoids playing golf because, as a child, she associated the sport with her father Tiger Woods’ frequent and lengthy absences from home for tournaments.
- A State Champion in Soccer: Instead of golf, Sam excelled in soccer, serving as a team captain and defensive powerhouse for The Benjamin School, leading them to their first-ever Florida state championship on March 1, 2025.
- A Gold Medalist in Track & Field: She is also a decorated track athlete, winning individual gold medals in the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles at district championships and helping her team win the Florida Class 1A track and field state title in May 2025.
- Following an Academic Path at Stanford: Sam is set to attend Stanford University in the fall of 2025. Unlike her father, who attended on a golf scholarship, she is focused on academics with interests in psychology and biology.
- Caddying is for Family, Not Career: Her appearances caddying for Tiger at the PNC Championship are a way to spend quality family time, not an indication of a budding golf career.
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The Definitive Answer: Does Sam Woods Play Golf?
Let’s get straight to the point. Many people see Sam Woods on the golf course with her famous father and wonder if she’s the next in line for the family’s athletic dynasty.
No, Sam Woods does not play golf competitively or professionally. While she is a constant and loving supporter of her father Tiger and brother Charlie, her own athletic career has flourished far from the fairway. Her story isn’t one of rejecting a legacy, but rather of embracing her own unique talents and passions.
So if not golf, where has this talented athlete been making her mark?
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Unpacking the “Negative Connotation”: The Real Reason Sam Woods Avoids Golf
The reason Sam Woods chose a different path is both simple and deeply personal. It stems from her childhood experiences and the demanding nature of her father’s legendary career. Tiger Woods himself has openly explained the dynamic in interviews.
According to reports from outlets like The Palm Beach Post and Marca, Tiger shared that his daughter developed a “negative connotation” with the sport.
“She has, I think, a negative connotation to the game,” Woods explained. “Because at that time, when she was growing up, golf took daddy away from her. I had to pack, and I had to leave, and I’d be gone for weeks, and there’s a negative connotation to it.”
This insight paints a clear picture of the situation from a child’s perspective. The cause-and-effect can be broken down simply:
- A Demanding Career: Tiger Woods’ professional golf career required constant, worldwide travel for tournaments.
- Time Away From Home: This meant he was often away from home for weeks at a time during Sam’s most formative years.
- A Heartbreaking Association: As a result, Sam began to associate the game of golf not with family fun, but with her father’s absence.
It offers a unique glimpse into the personal sacrifices that often accompany professional greatness. While the world saw a global icon racking up wins, a young girl at home simply missed her dad.
A Father’s Perspective: How Tiger Woods Supports Her Choice
Crucially, there is no tension or disappointment in the Woods household over Sam’s choice. In fact, Tiger has been her biggest cheerleader, fully supporting her decision to pursue other passions. This support is a testament to his role as a father first and a golf legend second.
Quick Fact: Tiger has been a regular spectator at Sam’s soccer and track events, celebrating her wins as enthusiastically as any of his own.
Here are just a few ways Tiger has shown his unwavering support for her athletic journey:
- Cheering from the sidelines at soccer games: He has been photographed multiple times celebrating her victories on the pitch, including her state championship win.
- Publicly expressing pride in her track achievements: In public statements, he has consistently highlighted his pride in her individual and team accomplishments in track and field.
- Emphasizing enjoyment over obligation: As he has stated, his primary wish is for his children to have a good time playing sports, whatever those sports may be. He never pushed her toward golf, instead fostering an environment where she could discover her own path.
A Champion in Her Own Right: Sam Woods’ Dominance in Soccer and Track
While she may not play golf, Sam Woods is undeniably a gifted and highly accomplished athlete. She hasn’t just played other sports; she has dominated them at the state level for The Benjamin School.
Pro Tip: Don’t just think of Sam Woods as Tiger’s daughter; think of her as a multi-sport state champion who excels under pressure.
Her resume in high school athletics is nothing short of impressive, showcasing her versatility and competitive drive.
| Sport | Team/Event | Key Achievement | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | The Benjamin School | Team Captain, Won first-ever state title | March 1, 2025 |
| Track & Field | District Championships | Gold in 100 & 400 hurdles, 2nd in relays | April 2024 |
| Track & Field | State Championship | Helped team win Florida Class 1A title | May 2025 |
These achievements prove that the Woods family’s athletic prowess isn’t confined to the golf course. Sam has carved out her own legacy built on speed, agility, and leadership.
Following Her Father’s Footsteps to Stanford, But Forging Her Own Path
In the fall of 2025, Sam Woods is set to attend Stanford University—the very same institution her father attended. While this draws a wonderful parallel between father and daughter, their reasons for choosing the prestigious university highlight their different paths.
While both Tiger and Sam Woods chose Stanford University, their paths diverged significantly:
- Tiger Woods: Attended on a full golf scholarship from 1994 to 1996, focusing on an athletic career that would soon make him a global phenomenon.
- Sam Woods: Attending for academics, with stated interests in psychology and biology, and will not be part of the golf program or any other collegiate sports team.
This decision underscores her commitment to an academic future, proving that she is charting a course that is entirely her own, even while honoring a family tradition by choosing her father’s alma mater.
The Caddie Role Explained: Golf as Family Time, Not a Career
One point of confusion for some fans arises from seeing Sam caddying for Tiger at the family-focused PNC Championship in December 2023 and 2024. If she dislikes the sport, why would she carry the bag?
The answer, once again, lies in her deep connection to her family.
As Tiger has clarified in statements reported by Marca and Today.com, her role as a caddie is purely a way to spend quality time with him and her brother, Charlie. It is a gesture of love and support, not a professional audition.
Could there be a better way to spend quality time with family than by supporting them in the sport they love? This role allows her to be part of their world on her own terms, sharing in the experience without the pressure to play. It’s a beautiful contrast to her brother, Charlie, who plays alongside his father and is fully embracing the golf legacy. For Sam, the golf course can now be a place of family bonding, free from the negative connotations of her childhood.
If you’re inspired by the Woods family’s involvement in golf and want to get a young athlete started, finding the right equipment is the first step.
FAQs About Sam Woods
To clear up any lingering questions, here are direct answers to the most common queries about Sam Woods.
Why doesn’t Sam Woods play golf?
Sam Woods doesn’t play golf because she developed a “negative connotation” with the sport as a child, associating it with her father, Tiger Woods, being away from home frequently for tournaments. She chose instead to pursue sports that she could define on her own terms, free from those early associations.
What sports does Sam Woods play instead?
Sam Woods is a state-champion athlete in two sports: soccer, where she was a team captain, and track and field, where she won individual hurdle events. Her success in these demanding sports highlights her exceptional athleticism and competitive spirit outside of the world of golf.
Do both of Tiger’s kids play golf?
No, only one of Tiger Woods’ children, his son Charlie Woods, plays golf and is following in his father’s footsteps. His daughter, Sam, is an accomplished athlete in other sports but does not play golf. This difference highlights Tiger’s support for his children to pursue their individual passions.
Where is Sam Woods going to college?
Sam Woods is set to attend Stanford University in the fall of 2025, where she will focus on academics rather than collegiate sports. While it’s her father’s alma mater, her path there is centered on her academic interests in fields like psychology and biology.
Final Summary: Sam Woods Is Forging Her Own Legacy
The story of Sam Woods and her relationship with golf is a powerful reminder that legacies are not just inherited; they are also built. While she proudly supports her father and brother’s journey in the sport that made their family famous, she has decisively and successfully forged her own identity as a formidable athlete and dedicated student.
Her journey is a masterclass in defining success on your own terms. The key takeaways from her story are clear:
- She made a conscious choice to step away from golf due to personal childhood associations.
- She channeled her athletic talents into becoming a state champion in both soccer and track and field.
- Her relationship with golf has evolved into one of family support, caddying for her father as a way to bond.
- She is prioritizing her academic future at Stanford University, building a future independent of her athletic achievements.
Sam Woods is more than just Tiger’s daughter; she is a powerful example of a young woman creating her own path to success.
Share this story to celebrate a young athlete who is powerfully defining success on her own terms.
Last update on 2025-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
