In December, family traditions are in full swing, and a relatively new one has become a favorite in the golf world. The PNC Championship, a 36-hole parent-child scramble, begins today at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, featuring Tiger and Charlie Woods for the fourth consecutive year. While Tiger’s career was once defined by his performances in March, April, June, and July, December has become his month. After playing in the Hero World Challenge a couple of weeks ago, his first tournament since having fusion surgery on an ankle joint after this year’s Masters, he is now ready to play in the PNC, which he jokingly refers to as his fifth major. The event offers a rare glimpse of the 82-time TOUR winner, who has been limited by injuries in recent years. Moreover, the PNC allows us to see Tiger in the role of a father, revealing the human side of a player who once ruthlessly dominated his PGA TOUR peers. Charlie’s powerful swing and his access to some of golf’s greatest minds, including his father, Justin Thomas, and Rory McIlroy, have fueled the fascination around him. Today, Tiger and Charlie will begin their pursuit of their first PNC title, teeing off at 8:22 a.m. after Saturday’s tee times were pushed up due to inclement weather. They’ll be playing with their usual partners, Justin and Mike Thomas. Follow for live updates from the day.
At 9:07 a.m., Charlie impressed fans with his skills on the third hole, hitting the green with an iron and earning Team Woods a lengthy eagle putt. Notah Begay noted that Charlie’s swing showed a balance of speed and grace, which he and Tiger have been working on. The Woodses are currently 1-under par, trailing behind Matt Kuchar and his son, Cameron, who have birdied six of their first eight holes.
At 8:49 a.m., the Woodses scored two pars on the second hole, with both Tiger and Charlie two-putting for par.
At 8:36 a.m., the Woodses scored a par on the first hole, with Charlie’s drive from the forward tees going well past Tiger and JT’s. Charlie’s approach shot was the closest of the four, and he hit it to about 12 feet from 80 yards. Despite using both Charlie’s tee shot and approach, they couldn’t convert the birdie putt.
At 8:27 a.m., it was noted that carts are allowed at the PNC Championship, which is why Tiger has played this event in the past. Charlie has moved back a set of tees this year, playing a course that measures 6,576 yards. There are only seven players in the field, including Tiger, who will play from tees deeper than those Charlie will compete from.
At 8:10 a.m., Tiger’s daughter, Sam, was announced as his caddy for the day, filling in for Joe LaCava who now works for Patrick Cantlay. Tiger’s friend, Rob McNamara, caddied for him at the Hero World Challenge.
