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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The PNC Championship is that comfort event you can’t miss. It’s not so much about fierce competition as it is about creating unforgettable on-course memories with family. Throw in golf superstars like Nelly Korda and Tiger Woods, and you know you’re in for some thrilling moments.

The PNC Championship has produced winners over the years who strike the ideal mix between accuracy, cooperation, and camaraderie. Players like Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods made waves around the globe with their near-victory in 2021 and their subsequent dominance in 2022, establishing them as a team worth watching. Their flawless collaboration and indisputable charisma resulted in an unprecedented number of viewers for the event.

With a unique combination of tactical skill and consistency, Justin Thomas and Mike Thomas, another father-son team, won the championship in 2020. Golf icon Jack Nicklaus has also had a lasting impression on the tournament by participating alongside his family and providing a timeless representation of his love for the game.

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This year’s event, taking place at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Course in Orlando, Florida, brings together 20 two-player teams in a laid-back Scramble format. There’s no cut, so while it’s an unofficial tournament, it’s still sanctioned by the PGA Tour Champions. And yes, there’s prize money—$1,085,000, the same as last year. The winner will take home 18.4 % of it home, and the runner-up will get 7.3%.

It has the largest prize pool to date—a staggering $2.5 million. Here is the prize money breakdown, as per the PGA Tour: 

1st$200,000
2nd$80,000
3rd$57,250
4th$50,000
5th$49,000
6th$48,000
7th$47,000
8th$46,000
9th$45,000
10th$44,500
11th$44,000
12th$43,500
13th$43,000
14th$42,500
15th$42,000
16th$41,500
17th$41,000
18th$40,500
19th$40,250
20th$40,000

Taking place over two days (21st – 22nd December), the defending champions, Bernhard and Jason Langer are back in action. Bernhard is aiming to claim a record sixth PNC Championship belt, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Who can take home the trophy at the PNC Championship?

What’s your perspective on:

Is Team Woods redefining golf by focusing on fun over fierce competition at the PNC Championship?

Have an interesting take?

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is stacked with some of golf’s biggest names, but let’s be honest—everyone’s watching Team Woods, which is currently leading the leaderboard. For the second day in a row, Woods, fresh off his sixth back surgery in September, walked all 18 holes—despite having the option to ride a cart (thanks, Champions Tour rules). But early on, he didn’t have to do much heavy lifting. Charlie was dialed in, especially on the greens, where he handled business to get them to a 6-under 30 on the front nine.

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At the ninth hole, Charlie’s approach shot landed 10 feet from the pin, but the kid wasn’t impressed. “Dad, don’t hit it like I did,” he said. “Please hit it more solid than me.” Sam Woods, on caddie duty for the second straight year, couldn’t resist chiming in: “You’re so negative.” Ah, classic Woods family dynamics.

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Things got even better on the back nine. They opened with a birdie and then rolled in five straight starting at No. 12, showing off that legendary Woods flair. But here’s the thing—Woods isn’t out here chasing wins this week. For him, it’s all about having fun, a sentiment he and Charlie have been preaching all weekend. Charlie, who admitted to trying “too hard to win” last year is also taking a more laid-back approach this time around.

And if you’re wondering what winning would mean to Charlie, his answer says it all: “I don’t know; we’ve got to figure that out first. We’ve got to get there, and then I’ll tell you.” For Team Woods, it’s about more than the trophy—it’s about soaking up the moments. If they end up winning? Well, that’s just a bonus.

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Is Team Woods redefining golf by focusing on fun over fierce competition at the PNC Championship?