The highly anticipated 2024 PNC Championship kicks off this weekend, bringing with it the electrifying presence of golf legend Tiger Woods and his son Charlie. Set to begin on December 21 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, the tournament features 20 dynamic family duos, making it not just competitive, but a heartwarming display of family bonding.
Woods and his son have become synonymous with the PNC Championship since their debut, attracting significant crowds wherever they play. Eyeballs will particularly be on Tiger as this marks his first competitive outing since his microdiscectomy surgery three months ago, which aimed to alleviate chronic pain stemming from multiple prior procedures.
“Playing together is something we look forward to, and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family,” Woods expressed, highlighting the event's enjoyable atmosphere and the reason behind his participation. Their previous attempts have brought them some close calls but no titles yet, with their best finish being runners-up in 2021.
This unique golf tournament, which features the scramble format, allows major champions to compete alongside their family members, resulting not only in spirited competition but fun. This year, many familiar faces will take their places on the green, including notable teams like Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, Nelly Korda teamed up with tennis Grand Slam champion Petr Korda, and Annika Sorenstam playing alongside her son Will.
The anticipation builds as the tournament kicks off with the pro-am event on December 20, providing fans and participants alike with early glimpses of the tournament's atmosphere. The coverage is top-notch, running across popular platforms such as Golf Channel, NBC, and streaming services like Peacock.
The first-round tee times for the PNC Championship highlight this exciting field:
- 9:00 AM – Lee Trevino and Daniel Trevino; Nick Price and Greg Price
- 9:13 AM – Mark O’Meara and Shaun O’Meara; Gary Player and Alexander Hall
- 9:26 AM – Nick Faldo and Matthew Faldo; Trevor Immelman and Jacob Immelman
- 9:39 AM – Matt Kuchar and Carson Kuchar; Tom Lehman and Sean Lehman
- 9:52 AM – Padraig Harrington and Paddy Harrington; Stewart Cink and Connor Cink
- 10:05 AM – Annika Sorenstam and Will McGee; Steve Stricker and Izzi Stricker
- 10:18 AM – John Daly and John Daly II; David Duval and Brady Duval
- 10:31 AM – Nelly Korda and Petr Korda; Fred Couples and Hunter Hannemann
- 10:44 AM – Tiger Woods and Charlie Woods; Justin Leonard and Luke Leonard
- 10:57 AM – Bernhard Langer and Jason Langer; Vijay Singh and Qass Singh
This unique father-son tournament, previously known as the Father/Son Challenge, has evolved significantly since its inception over 30 years ago. The PNC Championship features illustrious participants, including 13-year-old Will McGee, son of Annika Sorenstam, showing the depth of talent and legacy carried on through generations.
Fans tuning in can catch the action starting at 11 AM on the Golf Channel this Saturday, followed by NBC's recap from 4 PM to 6 PM, ensuring viewers won’t miss any highlights or comebacks. The final round will conclude on Sunday, with significant viewing windows available to keep fans engaged.
Given its family-friendly approach and competitive intensity, the PNC Championship is not just about the game; it encapsulates the deep-rooted traditions of family ties and reliving moments of success together. This weekend, as Tiger and Charlie take to the course alongside other remarkable duos, all eyes are sure to be riveted on their performance, with hopes high for their inaugural win.
At the heart of the PNC Championship is the celebration of golf as more than just sport. It's about memories, legacy, and the excitement of watching familial bonds displayed on one of the world’s most scenic golf stages.
