Tiger Woods and his son Charlie shared a heartwarming moment this past weekend at the 2024 PNC Championship held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. On December 22, 2024, 15-year-old Charlie accomplished something many golfers dream of: he made his first hole-in-one during the final round of the prestigious tournament.
It was the fourth hole, measuring 178 yards, when Charlie struck his 7-iron shot. According to reports from The Associated Press, his excellent hit stood out not just for its skill but also for the emotion it evoked between father and son. After the shot, jubilant cheers erupted from the gallery, signaling the ace even before Charlie realized his achievement. “It was awesome having Dad there. That was so much fun. It was just a perfect 7-iron, little cut in there. Of course, I never got to see it go in. So, that's all right,” Charlie reflected on the moment.
Tiger himself was overwhelmed with pride. He stated, “That was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to have this moment with Charlie, make his first hole-in-one, Sam [his daughter] on the bag, just our family and friends. That’s what this event is about. It’s about bonding and family.” This sweet family moment took place against the backdrop of fierce competition at the PNC Championship, which features 20 major champions teamed with family members.
The Woods duo finished second at the event, carding 15-under 57, tying with Team Langer, which consisted of Bernhard Langer and his son Jason. The championship culminated for Team Woods with high spirits, even though they fell short to the Langers after a playoff. Yet, for Charlie, the experience was unparalleled. “It’s not even close,” he said when asked where making the ace ranked on the fun meter of his golf experiences.
While the outcome may not have resulted in bringing home the trophy, the real victory for the Woods family lay in the cherished moments they created together. Charlie, known for his burgeoning golfing talent, maintained his light-hearted demeanor even after the playoff loss. He wittily noted, “I’m broke” when reminded of the tradition following a hole-in-one to treat fellow players to drinks.
The emotional embrace between Tiger and Charlie captured the essence of the day. Tiger reflected on the joy of sharing such milestones with his son, marking it as one of the most fulfilling aspects of competing together. “I know we didn’t win, but it was the fact we competed. No one really made a mistake out there. We had to earn it, and that's what you want to have,” added Woods after the match.
This marks the fifth consecutive year Woods and his son have participated together, making it even more special for the family. Tiger has been actively involved in Charlie's growth as a golfer, having noted before the tournament, “Charlie has gotten at every facet of the game. I think most of us forget he's only 15 years old.”
Woods himself was making his first appearance since undergoing back surgery, which sidelined him after The Open earlier this year. Although he mentioned he is “nowhere near competitive shape,” just being able to share the fairway with his son was enough to reignite the joy of the game.
Charlie’s hole-in-one is just the latest chapter in what promises to be an exciting golfing future for the young athlete. Having already experienced considerable success at such a young age, including his participation earlier this year at the U.S. Junior Amateur, he is clearly on the path to becoming a formidable golfer. Tiger, who has always emphasized the importance of balancing guidance and protection as a dad, views the future as bright for Charlie. He believes, “The ceiling he has is unlimited.”
Overall, the weekend highlighted not only the competitive spirit of golf but also the importance of family. At events like the PNC Championship, where major champions team up with their loved ones, bonding and creating lasting memories take precedence over winning. Tiger Woods insisted this experience exemplified everything he values about the sport and family, providing another reminder of why golf is such a cherished game.
