Who are the best golfers in Florida State men's golf history?

 

Who are the best golfers in Florida State men's golf history?

Florida State has plenty of golf history, and its notable alums include one of the best golfers of the 21st century.

Charlie Woods announced Tuesday his commitment to Florida State, joining No. 1 recruit Miles Russell in the Seminoles' Class of 2027. The son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods chose Florida State over numerous other offers and will remain in state, where he has been a part of two state championship teams at Benjamin School.

FSU coach Trey Jones is in his 23rd season as head coach and has guided the program to new heights. Under his guidance, many players have had tremendous success at the college level and gone on to win major championships and numerous PGA Tour titles, too.

But who are the best players in the history of Florida State men's golf?

John Pak

John Pak won the Haskins Award in 2021, given to the collegiate Player of the Year. He is Florida State's lone Haskins winner. He had eight victories for the Seminoles over his four-year career and holds the school record for lowest scoring average (69.87).

Luke Clanton

Clanton joined Pak with eight victories for the Seminoles and took home the 2025 Ben Hogan Award. Clanton earned his PGA Tour card thanks to how well he played as an amateur and as a member of the Seminoles, and he has the second-lowest scoring average in school history.

Brooks Koepka

Koepka is likely the most notable FSU alum, as the 35-year-old has won five major championships and recently made his return to the PGA Tour. During his FSU tenure, Koepka was a three-time All-American and won three tournaments.

Paul Azinger

The 12-time PGA Tour winner turned commentator started his college career at a community college but played a year for the Seminoles. He had two wins in garnet and gold and had plenty of success after turning professional.

Hubert Green

A throwback name, Green played for the Seminoles from 1966-1968 and had two wins in his 18 starts. He won two majors, the 1977 U.S. Open and the 1985 PGA Championship. Green still has the 16th-best scoring average in FSU history.

Vincent Norrman

Normann started his college career at Div. II Georgia Southwestern, where was the top-ranked golfer in the country. In his graduate season as a Seminole, Norrman had the fourth-best scoring average in school history and had one win in 10 starts in 2021. He also has one PGA Tour win.

Daniel Berger

In two seasons at FSU, Berger collected a pair of wins and has gone on to win four times on the PGA Tour, including earning the clinching point in the 2017 Presidents Cup.

Jeff Sluman

Sluman was fairly quiet during his college career, but as a pro he won six times, including the 1988 PGA Championship.

FSU Admissions-admitted student profile for the FSU Class of 2030

 

With the release of our Regular Decisions, we wanted to share our admitted student profile for the FSU Class of 2030!#FSU30 #NewNole pic.twitter.com/gLcDl73Gy2

— FSU Admissions (@FSUAdmissions) February 12, 2026

Charlie Woods, Jack Nicklaus and a Florida State golf program rising

 

Charlie Woods, Jack Nicklaus and a Florida State golf program rising

Jackie Nicklaus knows the Florida State golf program, knows the Seminole Legacy Golf Club and knows the area.

So when Nicklaus recently learned that Charlie Woods — the son of 15‑time major champion Tiger Woods — had committed to the Seminoles and would join coach Trey Jones’ top‑ranked 2027 recruiting class, his reaction was an enthusiastic double thumbs‑up.

“I just saw that young Charlie made a commitment to FSU,” Nicklaus said in a text to the Tallahassee Democrat. “I think it will be a win‑win for both Charlie and FSU. I know Charlie is a nice young man — and, obviously, a wonderful talent.”

Woods’ commitment continues to generate buzz, even though the junior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, won’t arrive on campus for at least another 15 months. He is part of FSU's top‑ranked 2027 recruiting class, which also includes the world’s top junior player, Miles Russell.
Nicklaus and Woods strengthen FSU's reputation


In 2017, Florida State hired Jack Nicklaus’ company, Nicklaus Design, to redesign its campus golf course, home to both the men’s and women’s programs. The Seminole Legacy Golf Club officially opened in 2020 following an $8 million–$10 million renovation directed by Nicklaus — widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time with a record 18 major championships — and his son, Jackie, who owns property in the area and frequently visits.


Additionally, Legacy has been recognized annually by GOLF.com as one of the top 30 courses in Florida.

“Obviously, having Jack Nicklaus’ name on the golf course is definitely a feather in the cap of Florida State University,” said Kenny Knox, a former FSU All‑American and three‑time PGA Tour winner.

Woods, who regularly practices with his father at their home course in Jupiter, has shown growing athleticism and consistency. He helped lead his high school team to a FHSAA Class A state title in November, firing a 4‑under 68 in the final round. He was also named a first‑team All‑American by the American Junior Golf Association and is currently ranked No. 9 nationally in his recruiting class.



Here are FSU's 2027 men's golf commitments

FSU boasts the nation's top 2027 recruiting class with Russell, Woods, Edwin Askerfors of Sweden and Kaden Puranik of Windermere. Here's a look at the players' accomplishments, compiled by College Golf Commits.

Russell: 2025 Northeast Amateur: 2nd; 2024 South Beach l Amateur champion; 2025 Junior Invitational champion; 2025 AJGA Boys Simplify Championships champion; 2025 AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions champion.

Woods: 2025 AJGA Team Taylormade Invitational champion; 2025 Junior PGA Championship: 9th; 2025 North & South Junior Amateur: 11th

Askerfors: Five junior event wins in Sweden in 2024/2025; 2025 AJGA Junior Players Championship ship: 10th; Three AJGA top-5 finishes in 2025; 2024 Notah Begay National Championship: 2nd; Two FJT wins & two top-5 finishes in 2025

Florida State University sees record student retention for spring semester

Florida State University has retained first‑year students from fall to spring at a record 99.2% — one of the highest rates in the nation and a powerful testament to our commitment to student success and nurturing a supportive environment where students can thrive.… pic.twitter.com/tTqIPG4tPR

— FSU President Richard McCullough (@PresMcCullough) February 12, 2026

 

Florida State University sees record student retention for spring semester

Florida State University saw a historic 99.2% first-year retention rate this spring semester with 6,400 students returning.

That translates to roughly 6,400 first-year Seminoles choosing to continue their college journey at FSU, marking a significant milestone for the Tallahassee institution.

The university's commitment to retention extends beyond first-year students. FSU also recently set another record with 97% first-year retention, meaning students who started as first-year students in fall 2025 returned for their second fall semester.

Brown emphasized that strong retention rates don't just reflect current student success. They can also lead to higher graduation rates in the future.

University leaders say these historic numbers follow deliberate investments in support programs and engagement opportunities designed to keep students connected to campus life and academic success.