The 2024 PNC Championship showcased the unique blend of professional golf and family camaraderie, bringing together famous golfers paired with their relatives for an unforgettable experience at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. This year's tournament emphasized friendship and fun, where fierce competition meets family bonding on the greens.
Among the notable participants were Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son, Charlie, and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam alongside her son, 13-year-old Will McGee. The event, held over the recent weekend, marked the end of the annual golf calendar, presenting golfers with one last chance to shine alongside loved ones.
“It is so special to be here,” said Sorenstam, reflecting on the poignant emotional experience of playing with her son. “We have tears coming down in the end just because golf has give us, give me so much, and now it continues to give. Just to be here with him and Mike and Ava and the family, my dad out there. It just means so much more.”
The tournament saw various tee boxes set up to accommodate the ages and skill levels of the participants, making the event accessible and fair. For competitors like Woods and Sorenstam, family values were as significant as the scores on the card.
The championship utilizes four distinct tee sets, allowing professionals and family members to play under equitable conditions. For example, Woods, at 48, and his son Charlie played from one of the longest tee boxes at 7,106 yards. On the contrary, some family members and younger competitors, like Will McGee, who played alongside his mother from the 6,576-yard tees, added to the event's fun and friendly spirit.
“It’s a sought-after week now. Everybody wants to play,” expressed professional player Padraig Harrington, highlighting the enthusiastic competition this year. “I know from my perspective, my two sons are trying to divvy up when they are going to play, who is going to play.”
Will McGee, being the youngest player in the lineup, quickly became one of the crowd favorites. His charming demeanor and obvious zeal for the game showed as he engaged with Tiger Woods, casually asking questions on the sidelines, soaking up valuable insights from the veteran. His first-round performance impressed fans and commentators alike, with accolades coming from notable golf outlets.
“Will McGee is a birdie machine!” the PGA Tour remarked enthusiastically on social media after observing his prowess on the course. After the first-round, Annika Sorenstam noted, “Well, I like the way he putts, very aggressive and he feels very confident. He’s a nice partner to have on the greens but also on the fairway, and today overall, we had a great time.”
The tournament not only serves as a playful backdrop for legendary golfers and their family members but also fosters inspiration among younger contestants. With the blend of encouragement and competition, the PNC Championship continues to be the stage where future golf stars can shine alongside celebrated champions.
This year’s championship concluded with Bernhard Langer and his son Jason claiming the title after defeating Woods and Charlie Woods in a nail-biting playoff. Regardless of the outcomes, the emphasis on family and shared experiences remains the heart of the PNC Championship.
According to spectators and fans present at the event, the dynamic nature and friendly atmosphere of the tournament embody the true essence of golf—the joy of playing together with loved ones. Who knows, with the promising talent seen this year, perhaps Will McGee could soon follow the footprints of his mother, or his sister Ava may surprise everyone when she decides to step onto the courses of the future.
Whatever may come, the spirit of the PNC Championship shines brightly, reminding all of us just how deeply intertwined golf and family can be. Following the successful conclusion of yet another tournament, fans worldwide are left eager for what next year’s PNC Championship will bring.
