Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, made headlines this weekend for sinking his first career hole-in-one during the 2024 PNC Championship. The impressive shot occurred on the par-3 fourth hole at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, catapulting Team Woods to the lead with a score of 17 under.
After the momentous shot, Tiger Woods described the exhilaration the family felt: "We heard it up on the green on the right and left but we were totally unsure until the TV confirmed it," he shared. The Woods family erupted with joy, celebrating what Tiger termed "an unbelievable moment." Charlie used a 7-iron to execute his ace from 176 yards, emphasizing, "It was just a perfect 7-iron, little cut in there. Of course never got to see it go in. So, it sucks. But that's all right."
The PNC Championship is unique, as it invites major champions to compete alongside their family members. This year’s tournament showcased 20 teams, allowing for both fierce competition and cherished family moments. Although the Woods duo led for much of the event, they fell short against Bernhard Langer and his son Jason Langer, who clinched victory on the first hole of the playoff with Langer's eagle putt.
Despite not winning, Charlie reflected on the day's events, exclaiming, "It was amazing. Everyone played well today, so it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had." Tiger echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the core of the tournament: "This is all about family. This is about bonding and it’s about having a great time together and we did."
Charlie’s hole-in-one was not the only one made during the event. Only about 30 minutes after Charlie’s ace, Paddy Harrington, the son of three-time major champion Padraig Harrington, also hit his first hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole. The excitement of two hole-in-ones on the same day underscored the significance of family and competition.
Throughout the tournament, as Tiger Woods competed for the first time since his return from back surgery, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie. Notably, Tiger’s daughter, Sam, was on his bag, bringing the whole family dynamic front and center. It was evident through their interactions and celebrations just how much family meant to the Woods clan, highlighted by moments of shared joy and pride.
Looking back on the experience, Charlie continued to express how much fun he had, stating, "It was awesome having Dad there. That was so much fun. Of course, never got to see it go in, so it sucks but that's all right." This bittersweet remark captures the essence of the event—a blend of competitive spirit with invaluable family memories.
The tournament at the Ritz-Carlton is more than just golf; it’s about the relationships built and strengthened through the shared love of the sport. Even though the Woods finished as runners-up this year, the victory of having participated together is something they will cherish forever.
Bernhard Langer, celebrating his sixth title at the PNC Championship and his fourth win with son Jason, also spoke highly of the Woods, saying, "I truly enjoyed playing with Tiger. They are such wonderful competitors and great humans. It was fun to see the two of them out there together and when Charlie made the hole-in-one, I've never seen Tiger happier."
At the heart of the PNC Championship is family, tradition, and the love of the game, making it one of the most beloved events on the golf calendar. For the Woods family, the memories created this weekend will last long beyond the scorecards and trophies, encapsulating the joy of bonding over golf.
