Tiger Woods is always making the most of the PNC Championship’s family-friendly atmosphere, and this year is no exception. Not only is he competing alongside his son Charlie Woods, but his daughter Sam Woods is also joining in on the action, albeit differently. For the second year in a row, 17-year-old Sam is serving as Woods’s caddie. However, as per Woods, Sam’s involvement in the game is more about spending quality time together than it is about grooming her for a future golf career. Notably, Woods has revealed that Sam may never follow in his footsteps as a professional golfer. But why is that?

Well, as per an interview with TODAY‘s Carson Daly in May this year, he had revealed, “She has … a negative connotation to the game, because when she was growing up, golf took Daddy away from her. I had to leave, and I’d be gone for weeks. So we developed our own relationship, our own rapport, outside of golf. Meanwhile, my son (Charlie) and I do everything golf related.” 

Instead, the 17-year-old has already taken up other hobbies. “She does her own thing, which is soccer. She’s committed to that. As far as golf, no, she really doesn’t. She’ll hang out in the backyard with us every now and again to have fun, but nothing competitive or serious,” the golfer had said. But taking up a different profession doesn’t mean the 48-year-old is any less close with his older child. In fact, if you listen to Sam’s emotional speech about her dad that even made the latter tear up, it’s clear how the golfer has succeded in his fatherly duties.

During Woods’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2022, a 14-year-old Sam stole the show…

“Dad, I inducted you into the Dad Hall of Fame long time ago,” she began. “In 2007, my dad got himself in position to make an 18-foot putt to force a U.S. Open playoff, which he missed by a foot. He then had to rush to the airport, flew from Pittsburgh to Orlando and drove to the Winnie Palmer Hospital. Within five minutes of walking into the hospital room, still wearing his red golf shirt, on June 18th, I was born. He may have lost that day, but he won the greatest gift of all.”

“We didn’t know if you’d come home with two legs or not. Now not only are you about to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but you’re standing here on your own two feet. This is why you deserve this, because you’re a fighter.” And Woods’ reaction? Through tears, he made an attempt at a joke: “I just lost a bet to [Steve] Stricker that I wouldn’t cry. Thank you, Sam.” 

Having said that, looking at Sam’s aversion to her father’s profession, i’s clear that Woods is prioritizing his relationship with his daughter over any ambitions he may have had for her to become a golfer

Despite this, Sam is still heavily involved in Woods’s golf career – and not just as his caddie. She’s been spotted attending numerous events, including his 2019 Masters win, and even introduced him at his World Golf Hall of Fame induction in 2022. It’s clear that Woods values his daughter’s presence in his life, both on and off the course.

As he prepares to take on the PNC Championship alongside Charlie, it is genuinely so beautiful to see Sam playing a key role in the proceedings, even if it’s not as a competitor.

Sam Woods is surely having fun at the PNC Championship

Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie are making the most of their time together at the PNC Championship, and they’re not the only ones having fun. Sam Woods, Woods’s 17-year-old daughter, is on caddie duties for her dad, and she’s clearly enjoying every moment of it. As Woods and Charlie tore up the front nine with a series of birdies, Sam was right by their side, cheering them on and even throwing in some good-natured teasing.

At one point, Charlie hit an impressive approach shot on the ninth hole, but he wasn’t happy with his effort. “Please hit it more solid than me,” he said to Woods who was lining up his own shot from the same spot. Sam couldn’t resist chiming in, saying “You’re so negative”, leaving the commentators to have a good old laugh. Despite his initial disappointment, Charlie went on to make a birdie putt and help his team go six under.

Woods was proud of his son’s performance, but he’s not ready to concede just yet. “Yeah, he beat me for nine holes,” Woods told reporters. “He has yet to beat me for 18 holes… That day is coming, I’m just prolonging it for as long as I possibly can.” The father-son duo has played together at the PNC Championship four times before, and they’re looking to improve on their best finish of runners-up. With Sam by their side, they’re definitely having fun, and that’s what matters most.