In the picturesque setting of the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, the golf world witnessed the awe-inspiring prowess as Charlie Woods, under the watchful eyes of his iconic father, Tiger Woods, took center stage. The air buzzed with anticipation and excitement as Charlie, with youthful exuberance, aimed for a 321-yard shot on a challenging par-four hole.
However, what should have been a celebration of the young golfer’s impressive skills quickly turned into a heated debate as questions are now being raised against the validity of Charlie’s remarkable 321-yard tee shot on a par-four hole, adding an unexpected layer of controversy to what should have been a triumph of generational talent.
Tiger Woods expresses fatherly pride at junior Woods’ achievements amid scrutiny
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During the first round of the PNC Championship, Charlie Woods proved just how much he’s grown, especially since the first time he competed in the event in 2020. What did he do? The 14-year-old carried the ball 321 yards, with it just rolling off the green. Because of his age, he teed off ahead of where the Open-category players did, with his drive having avoided the native area and sand bunker. It was a remarkable shot to add to the list of remarkable things Charlie Woods did during the PNC Championships. And well, he thought so, too.
321 yards? No problem.
Charlie Woods just drove it OVER the green. 🤯
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) December 16, 2023
Following Saturday’s outing, Charlie assessed, “I drove the ball really good today. Didn’t miss a fairway and still managed to shoot eight-under.” He matter-of-factly added, “We just suck at putting,” referring to how the father-son duo missed their putts for an eagle attempt after Charlie’s shot, and he was understandably disappointed. Team Woods is currently tied for fifth in the standings, 19 strokes below par. But despite Charlie’s disappointment, Tiger Woods had only nice things to say.
Tiger told the media, “I just have a lot more fun doing it with him. We have so much fun at home practicing and playing games. It’s a special bonding that happens that not a lot of parents get a chance to have.” This came after the 15-time major winner expressed his admiration for his son’s evolving skills. Ahead of the PNC Championship, Tiger said of Charlie, “You can see how much he’s grown from last year. It’s amazing how much has grown, has changed, and it’s a moving target with him, right? He’s grown somewhere near 4 inches this year, so his swing has changed, it’s evolved, clubs have evolved.”
At the end of the day, though, it was Charlie Woods’ 321-yard shot that stole the spotlight. But as critical as he was about missing a putt after making that shot, it was the shot in question that faced criticism online.
Fans question Charlie Woods’ skills
As the official PGA Tour social media accounts swiftly shared a video of Charlie Woods’ extraordinary drive, the response from the golf community was swift and, surprisingly, not entirely positive. Critics emerged with comments dissecting the authenticity and circumstances of the shot.
One fan claimed, “This kid barely swings over 100. He just isn’t as long as the broadcast would have you believe. I know a kid who is taught by somebody who knows both kids well. Charlie isn’t as long. So 101 102 tops for speed.”
This kid barely swings over 100. He just isn’t as long as the broadcast would have you believe.
I know a kid who is taught by somebody who knows both kids well. Charlie isn’t as long. So 101 102 tops for speed.— Donovan Childers (@doc42019) December 16, 2023
Considering Charlie teed off further forward than the Open-category players, a commenter disputed the yardage put forth by the media.
I play that course every week, that tee shot isn’t 321 and not even close…golf media is the worst!
— Ryane Taylor (@Birdie_Bonanza) December 16, 2023
Another fan echoed the sentiment, calling golf media out for disseminating misinformation. They expressed how there was no way the 14-year-old’s drive was that long.
He does not fly it 321, this is why golf media sucks
— Bob Neal (@bayougolfer10) December 16, 2023
The skepticism continued with remarks suggesting alternative club choices and challenging the accuracy of the yardage, with some fans even comparing their skills with Charlie’s.
He had to use a driver with that wind lol
That’s an easy 4 hybrid for me— Lets go Brandon…Aiyuk (@freshcoolbutta) December 16, 2023
Considering Charlie Woods went for the straight-line shot, there was no way it could’ve been 321 yards. Yes, the distance from the teeing ground to the hole, taking into account bends and curves, would’ve been that much. But fans find it hard to believe that Charlie’s shot went that long.
It is not 321 as the crow flies. It is 321 around the dog leg, he went over the trees.
— Umpire strikes back (@mike_umpire) December 16, 2023
Another fan “called BS” on the straight-line yardage. While some speculated his drive was only a little over 100 yards, this commentator was a little more generous, speculating Woods Jr swung 250 yards.
I'm calling BS on the actual straight line yardage. Maybe 250
— Rick Halprin (@RickHalprin) December 16, 2023
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Despite Tiger’s positive commentary, the criticism surrounding Charlie’s impressive drive serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that accompanies the Woods’ name on the golf course. As the PNC Championship unfolds, the debate over Charlie’s remarkable shot continues, leaving fans and critics alike eagerly awaiting each swing, with opinions divided on the true magnitude of the young golfer’s talents.
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How do you think the Woods duo will fare at the Championship? Let us know in the comments.