Golf isn’t just about perfect swings and green jackets anymore; it’s also about branding, and thanks to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, young golfers are stepping into this world of sponsorships at an earlier age than ever. In a recent move, the Florida High School Athletic Association opened up NIL opportunities to high school athletes, making it possible for teens to sign deals with major brands like Nike, Adidas, and TaylorMade. One such star to benefit from it is Charlie Woods’s close rival.
Blades Brown, the 16-year-old Tennessee golf sensation has locked in a multi-year NIL deal with Transcend Capital Advisors. “I am grateful to be a part of a team with such fantastic people and players,” Brown said in a media interaction. “Joining Team Transcend allows me to perform at my best and to pursue my dreams. Transcend’s empowering support and love for the game will propel me to excel in golf.”
Blades Brown’s 2023 and 2024 seasons have been nothing short of impressive. He became the youngest co-medalist in U.S. Amateur history and has a string of tournament titles and records under his belt. But it’s not just his performance on the course that’s turning heads. On a recent episode of The Smylie Show, golf journalist Brentley Romine delved into the NIL trend, revealing that Brown’s recruitment has escalated into what he calls “the Blades Brown sweepstakes,” with big schools fighting to get him.
Romine notes that Brown could command a six-figure NIL offer, a figure rarely seen even among elite junior golfers. According to Romine, Brown is in line to command a six-figure NIL deal, which is pretty rare even for elite junior golfers. “Blades Brown is going to demand six figures per year, probably to get him to come to school somewhere,” he explained. While most college golfers might land deals worth tens of thousands, Brown’s could easily hit $100,000 or more.
Infact he’s not the only young player cashing in, either. Miles Russell, another rising star, has scored some NIL deals of his own with brands like Transcend and TaylorMade. Interestingly, Charlie Woods hasn’t signed any NIL deals yet, but with this new trend, it might only be a matter of time.
Will Charlie Woods sign a NIL deal?
Charlie Woods is no stranger to the spotlight. At just 15 years old, he’s already been seen sporting various brands, so it’s not out of the question that he’s been approached for an NIL deal. But surprisingly, he hasn’t signed one yet. Despite being the son of Tiger Woods, the man known for his collaboration with top brands like Nike, Charlie’s NIL situation remains quiet.
As his school coach, Toby Harbeck, put it, “He doesn’t need the fame. He’s got that. He surely doesn’t need the money. So what’s the benefit of Charlie receiving NIL money? Is there one? I don’t know.” Well, yes he got a point. Whenever Charlie hits the course, he is indeed the center of media attention. Fans have even caused disruptions at tournaments, like when Charlie tried to qualify at the Cognizant Classic. His U.S. Open bid drew just as much, if not more, attention.
Quoting his coach again, maybe it’s not about money or fame for Jr. Woods, he’s already got both. But will he sign a NIL deal anytime soon, like his fellow golfers? That remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a story to watch.
