Tiger Woods and his son Charlie are set to compete at the 2024 PNC Championship, bringing excitement as they participate for the fifth consecutive year. This father-son duo is one of the highlights of the annual tournament, which will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, on December 21-22.
The PNC Championship, known for pairing major-winning golfers with family members, holds special significance for Woods. This year marks Tiger's return to competitive golf after undergoing his sixth back surgery on September 13, as he aims to bond with his teenage son Charlie during this unique event.
The duo's best performance came during the 2021 tournament, where they finished as runners-up. Since then, they have consistently participated, showing strong teamwork and developing their skills alongside one another. Last year, they finished tied for fifth, reinforcing their potential as contenders.
The tournament format involves 36 holes contested over two days, and it pairs 20 teams made up of professional golfers who have won major championships and their family members. It's estimated there is $200,000 at stake from the total prize purse of $1.085 million. Charlie, now 15 and showing great promise as he competes at high school and junior level events, will be under the spotlight as they aim for victory together.
Friday’s Pro-Am event provided Woods the chance to practice before the championship, giving him the opportunity to get back on the course after months away. This marked his first public outing with golf clubs since the British Open last July. Observing Tiger on the range, Charlie expressed excitement about his father’s game, noting, "Dad, you were hitting it so good the other day!" To which Tiger, keeping things light, replied, "That was yesterday."
Tiger has shared his admiration for Charlie’s development. "His maturity has progressed the most this year," he remarked, acknowledging how quickly his son has grown, both physically and as a golfer. Charlie, who played without his father during the Pro-Am, reported back about his performance, mentioning, "A few squirrelly drives but overall solid," but beaming when he highlighted his 320-yard drive.
Reflecting on his health and readiness for the championship, Tiger noted, "I’m not competitive right now, but I just want to be able to have the experience again. This has always been one of the bigger highlights of the year for us as family, and now we get to have those moments together again." These sentiments encapsulate what the PNC Championship is truly about for the Woods family—bonding and creating memories rather than solely focusing on winning.
Despite the competitive nature of the tournament, Tiger's primary focus is the experience shared with Charlie. "Yes, we want to win, but it’s about the bond. It’s about having family time together," he said. "This tournament is about family." This commitment to family values resonates deeply within the spirit of the PNC Championship, distinguishing it from other competitive golf events.
Charlie is undoubtedly aware of the legacy he carries as the son of one of the greatest golfers of all time. Tiger explained, "I just want him to be himself and live his own life," emphasizing the importance of allowing Charlie to carve out his own identity within the sport. Tiger's encouragement serves as constructive reinforcement as Charlie embarks on his golfing path, with both players eager to create unforgettable moments on the course.
With Tiger approaching his 49th birthday on December 30, this event also becomes a milestone for both father and son as they look to continue their family tradition on the greens. The dynamic pair will tee off together on Saturday at 10:44 AM ET, facing stiff competition from notable names including John Daly, Nelly Korda, and Nick Faldo, among others.
Fans tuning in can follow their progression via Golf Channel and Peacock, where the Pro-Am was televised leading up to the tournament. This event is notable not just for the celebrity players but for the heartwarming family moments it encapsulates.
With the anticipation building for the tournament, Tiger and Charlie Woods are set to bring their A-game to the PNC Championship. It’s an event they cherish, and this year promises to be filled with memorable experiences as they once again take on the fairways together.
