Tiger Woods has barely been on the course since 2021. However, despite all the struggles, there are two events that he never misses out on: the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship. But well, this year one of the traditions was broken. The 15X major champion had to undergo his sixth back surgery in ten years in September. With the Hero World Challenge scheduled to be hosted at the beginning of December, he was yet to recover, the first time he had not been part of the field in Albany. But he ensured he did not miss out on the family tradition.

But why is playing at the PNC Championship so important for him? “Having both my kids out there the last two days has been so special,” Tiger Woods exclaimed in 2023 at Ritz Carlton, reflecting on the memorable family week he shared with his children, Charlie Woods and Sam. Notably, Sam caddied for her father last year. This is the only time apparently he and his son are on the same page.

According to TW Legion, “Tiger says he ‘had moments” where he didn’t think he’d play this week. Said he had the procedure done earlier to make sure he could compete at the PNC. One of the bigger highlights of the year for us as a family.” Do you see how significant it is for him to compete alongside his son? He has always been very proud of Charlie and speaks highly of him; “I try and do the best job I possibly can as a parent,” he added. “I’m always here for him. But at the end of the day, I just want him to just be himself and live his own life.” But as with any other father and son, they too have their moments.

Reflecting on how they are not on the same page on certain days, he said, “This week, it’s about us coming together and teaming up, and normally we’re opposing each other. Um, but this time we are a team, and we’re going to have a bunch of fun. I love that.” Oh, and they also engage in trash talk with each other, just very casually; “If we played together today, well, there’s always banter back and forth.”

Charlie too loves being a part of the game as they truly love to play together. The PNC Championship is one of the opportunities that Tiger Woods gets to teach his son about his swings. Even this year, when Charlie Woods smoked his opening tee shot with his driver and called it a ‘damn near shank,’ he was appreciated by his father. However, with the compliment came bits of criticism too. “It was off the heel, I saw that,” he said. “It’s alright. You got it stuck in the ground going back.” And well, Charlie Woods takes the criticism constructively.

But how was Woods’s experience playing after so long? “Rusty, very rusty. But it was good; it was good to be out here. Um, be out here, moving, playing. Hitting shots and just getting a feel, I just can’t wait to see how Charlie did up there,” said the golfer.

With TGL coming up next, the pro is excited; “That’s one of the reasons why I shut it down, and after the PGA had to be able to get myself a chance to be able to do this and be ready for next year. This all is stepping in the right direction, and Looking forward to it.” 

With so much excitement for Team Woods stepping at the PNC Championship, the motto is not only to play together but also to grab a win. Especially after the journey they have had so far.

A journey of Team Woods at the PNC Championship

Tiger Woods refers to the PNC Championship as the “fifth major” on his schedule, highlighting its special place in his heart. With his appearances on the PGA Tour becoming rarer, Woods has acknowledged that his body isn’t quite ready for the demands of his usual tour commitments. After falling short of his goal to play in a tournament each month, the 48-year-old has embraced the PNC Championship as a refreshing and much-needed break, both for himself and his loyal fanbase.

They came closest to the title in 2021 when they were runners-up. Last year, Team Woods finished tied for 5th, but the standout moment was Charlie Woods’s impressive monster drive and skillful chip-ins. A year later, Tiger Woods will once again rely on his teenage son’s talents as they return to the PNC Championship. Do you think this year will be their year? Stay tuned to find out!