Orlando, Florida - Charlie Woods, the son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has made headlines this weekend at the PNC Championship, where he celebrated his first-ever hole-in-one during the final round of the annual father-son tournament. The young golfer achieved this remarkable feat on the par-3 fourth hole at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, sending both the crowd and his father—and many within the golf community—into ecstatic cheers.
The moment unfolded on December 22, 2024, and it didn’t just mark Charlie's induction to the illustrious hole-in-one club; it also reinforced the bond between father and son on this highly celebrated golfing stage. Tiger, who has faced a challenging year himself, appeared to experience pure joy for his son as Charlie's ball made its way to the bottom of the hole. "It was awesome," Charlie remarked, reflecting on the reaction he received from the audience and his father.
Describing the shot, Charlie said, "It was a perfect 7-iron, so I just kind of hit it ... little cut 7." His ball flew straight toward the pin, landing just before it and rolling down to secure the ace. With this monumental moment, Team Woods surged to the top of the leaderboard at 17-under par, having started the final round tied for the lead with teams led by Vijah Singh and Bernhard Langer.
This year's PNC Championship showcased not only Charlie's talent but the rich tradition of family and golf, as numerous teams joined the age-old rivalry between fathers and sons. Tiger and Charlie Woods returned for their fifth consecutive year to compete, bolstered by their shared ambition to claim their first title at this crowd-favorite event. Their best finish came back in 2021 when they finished as runners-up, but they hope to change their fortunes this time around.
Adding to the festive family atmosphere, Tiger's daughter, Sam, took the role of caddie for her father, providing her unique vantage point to Charlie's astonishing achievement. It's moments like these, where the stories of lineage and shared passions collide, which make the PNC Championship so special to participants and fans alike.
After Charlie's outstanding shot, he initially expressed disbelief, with his body language reflecting his astonishment, mouthing, "Did it go in?" The thrill of such pivotal accomplishments often evokes genuine reactions, and Charlie's reaction was no exception. An audible roar from the crowd confirmed for him what had transpired.
While Charlie Woods garnered the spotlight with his ace, he was not alone; Paddy Harrington, the son of former pro golfer Padraig Harrington, also made headlines by scoring his first hole-in-one shortly after Charlie at the same tournament. His shot came on the par-3 eighth hole, adding to the day's excitement and showcasing the talent of both aspiring golfers.
The history of the PNC Championship is replete with memorable moments and achievements; Charlie's hole-in-one, now marking the second ace ever recorded at the event, stands as both a personal milestone for the young athlete and another chapter in the Woods family's storied legacy. Each year, the tournament captures the spirit of familial camaraderie and the thrill of the sport.
Charlie Woods’ golfing prowess is on the rise, and he has recently demonstrated his skills at other competitions. Earlier this year, he shot 1-under-par at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship qualifier, securing his place among the contenders. He faced challenges at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, but with his hole-in-one at the PNC Championship, he reaffirmed his potential and brought hope to fans about his future as he develops alongside his legendary father.
Looking forward, Team Woods is striving to end the PNC Championship on a high note, with their eyes set on the ultimate honor. Charlie, with his new ace tucked under his belt, continues to bask in the limelight alongside Tiger, who hopes this moment might be the perfect bookend to his battling season, characterized by ups and downs following his back surgery last September.
The PNC Championship remains one of the sport's most heartwarming events, not just for its competitive spirit but for the family stories it creates. With Charlie Woods now having his first hole-in-one to cherish, this year's tournament has become one for the record books. The golf world, much like the Woods family, will be watching intently as they navigate these familial and sporting ties, hoping for more memorable moments to come.
