Tiger Woods is set to make his return to competitive golf at the PNC Championship, teaming up once again with his son, Charlie Woods, for the fifth time. The father-son duo will compete in the parent-child exhibition on December 21-22 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. For fans eager to see Tiger in action, this event might be the most exciting opportunity this year.
A Different Role for Tiger
Tiger may not be “tournament sharp” yet, as he admitted recently, but the PNC Championship offers a unique format that plays to his strengths. With Charlie, now 15 years old and a burgeoning long hitter, Tiger can focus on his short game—particularly shots from inside 150 yards. This setup reduces wear and tear on his body, especially after years of battling lower-leg injuries and a recent back surgery.
Tiger underwent microdecompression surgery on his lower back in September and has not played competitively since missing the cut at The Open in July. This year, he logged just five starts, with the Masters being his only made cut. Despite these challenges, the PNC’s scramble format and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal stage for Tiger’s comeback.
Charlie: A Rising Star
Charlie’s growth as a player adds another layer of intrigue to the Woods duo. Now a high school sophomore at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, Charlie has made impressive strides in his game. Earlier this year, he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur, where Tiger was on hand to watch. While Charlie didn’t make the cut, his progress continues to shine, highlighted by a strong showing at the Florida High School Boys State Championship last month.
With Charlie taking on the heavy lifting off the tee, Tiger can focus on precision shots and strategy, a dynamic that might give the duo their best chance yet to claim the title. They came close in 2021, finishing runner-up to John Daly and his son, and tied for fifth last year.
A Special Opportunity for Fans
For fans, the PNC Championship offers a rare and personal glimpse of Tiger Woods in action, playing alongside his son in a setting that’s more about camaraderie than cutthroat competition. Tiger himself emphasized the significance of the event, saying, “Playing together is something we look forward to, and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family.”
With his physical health still a work in progress and a limited schedule ahead, this might be one of the best opportunities for fans to see Tiger play before the new year. As he prepares for his team’s TGL opener in January, the PNC Championship provides a low-pressure environment to showcase his iconic game and share the experience with Charlie.
Don’t Miss It
The PNC Championship isn’t just another tournament; it’s a celebration of family, golf, and one of the greatest to ever play the game. With Charlie’s growing strength and Tiger’s legendary precision, this could be the year they finally claim the top spot—and a must-watch event for fans.