Back in 2022, aged 63, Fred Couples was on the brink of a hot run, a comeback that would have ended a more than five-year-long winless drought. Never a lack of effort or shrinking ability but it was his back issues that constantly bogged him down since the 90s. Bashing the balls and pouring in putts today only to withdraw the next day became a routine affair. At other times, he would simply play in agony, sometimes even without the possibility of bending over. But at the PGA Champions’ SAS Championship, Couples had something special going on about him, and Tiger Woods was just as glued to his TV.

You see, Woods debuted on the Tour when he was just 16 years and 59 days old. As a young buck with curiosity peaking, Fred became, in Tiger’s own words, his dad on Tour. Ever since his practice round at Augusta National alongside Couples and Ray Floyd, “The ’97 Ryder Cup was it. And then like every year forward, I always played every practice round at Augusta with either [Mark] O’Meara or Fred. And then it’s been Fred pretty much I think the last 15 years.”

Couples did go on to win his 14th title at SAS, and Woods, who himself understands the rigors of severe back issues knew what it meant for him: “He made every putt, shoots 60, he broke his age by three years. It was just a special day and a special win for him… So just for him to experience that one more time at that age.” Now, with the PNC Championship starting on December 21, the event has 20 teams for the ultimate showdown where Woods’s old bud Fred Couples alongside his stepson joining them on the greens this year. And from the looks of it, the pre-tournament press conference had enough to suggest their chemistry hasn’t weaned off a tad.

During the pre-tournament press conference, you’d think Couples would have liked to team up with Woods once more. And much to the amazement of all others present, Couples, laughing with the media at the thought of entering the event with the Woods, said, “He does text me. He said, ‘Dude, I’m so excited for you. It’s just the hang that you’re going to love.’ And I already know all that, but then he said, ‘You want to play?’

“I said, ‘No, we are not playing with you and Charlie. That is not going to happen.‘

“But we did get Nelly and her father, and we’re really excited about that because for Hunter and I to be on the same tees with Nelly, we’ll settle each other down a little bit and have a good time.”

As for who his step-son Hunter Hannemann is most forward to looking forward to meeting is none other than Tiger Woods: “Definitely, Tiger. Also looking forward to meeting Charlie too.”

Apparently, Couples had been eyeing the PNC Championship for a while but only considered participating when Hunter showed significant improvement in his golf game. “At 10 and 11, I knew he played a little golf, and he played football and basketball… but really at 14 and 15,” he said. Hunter nodded in agreement, and the legend continued, “And he showed it Thanksgiving. We played five straight days. He did great. He has no problem hitting a ball.”

Although Fred Couples owns a Green Jacket among his 15 PGA Tour victories, he still feels dominated by the Woods family. But why is Fred Couples not playing with Tiger Woods and his son?

Why is Fred Couples skipping on Tiger Woods and his son?

You see Team Woods has not missed the PNC Championship since 2020, and their consistent performance is a testament to their strong partnership. Team Woods finished T-5 at last year’s PNC Championship, so they’re coming into this year’s tournament with plenty of momentum. Despite Tiger Woods still recovering from back surgery, the family-focused event should be a manageable one for him.

As Woods himself would attest, the PNC Championship is a unique event that offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for players looking to unwind and have fun with their loved ones. Even though there’s no cut, the competition remains fierce. Woods and Charlie came close to winning in 2021, finishing second to John Daly and his son, John II. But so far, they haven’t grabbed that title. And let’s not forget other big names like Justin Thomas, Vijay Singh, and Bernhard Langer, who’ve all tasted victory in this event.