Tiger Woods is approaching his 49th birthday, and as he prepares for his upcoming celebrations, he has one significant aspiration related to golf. His main goal is to delay the moment when his son, Charlie, finally surpasses him in an 18-hole match. This week marks the fifth consecutive year that they will participate together in the PNC Championship, a unique 36-hole event that means a great deal to both them and the other competitors. This tournament will be Woods’ first appearance since undergoing a sixth back surgery in September, highlighting how much he values the opportunity to play alongside his son.
Rumors have circulated that 15-year-old Charlie has managed to outplay his renowned father, who boasts 15 major titles. “He beat me for nine holes,” Woods clarified, making it clear that he still holds the upper hand over a full 18-hole match. “That day is coming. I’m just prolonging it as long as I possibly can.” Woods expressed joy in their friendly exchanges on the course, though he refrained from providing specific details about the nine-hole defeat.
While winning is always a goal, it takes a backseat at the PNC Championship where a festive atmosphere prevails for the 20 participating teams, which include major champions paired with their family members. Woods’ participation in five tournaments this year has seen mixed results, with him only managing to complete one — achieving a record 72 at the Masters after playing an arduous 23 holes in tough wind conditions. However, he also faced challenges, scoring an 82 in a subsequent round, indicative of the struggles he has endured due to injuries.
Woods acknowledged that recovery has become increasingly difficult for him. “I’m not going to feel what I’m used to feeling,” he admitted. Following a difficult year, he missed the cut in three major tournaments before opting for lower back surgery that he hoped would make him fit for the PNC Championship.
Recently, he opted out of the Hero World Challenge, citing a lack of competitive sharpness to accompany the likes of top players such as Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay in a highly competitive field. Nevertheless, the PNC Championship holds special significance for Woods, akin to a fifth major in his eyes due to the collaboration with his son. “I had the surgery done earlier so that hopefully I could give myself the best chance to be with Charlie and be able to play,” he noted. The tournament is a highlight for the Woods family, allowing them to share unforgettable moments on the course.
Despite the concerns related to his back surgery, Woods emphasized that the greatest challenge remains his leg, injured in a 2021 car accident. Determined to enjoy the experience, he decided to walk in the pro-am event rather than using a cart, which is permitted for players in the tournament, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour Champions.
Team Woods has yet to claim victory since starting their run in 2020, finishing as runners-up the following year to John Daly and his son. Charlie has grown taller every year and is becoming a more formidable player, and Woods plans to take advantage of his son’s powerful tee shots in the scramble format.
This Saturday, they will kick off their opening round alongside Justin Leonard and his son, who will be attending Villanova next year after completing high school at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, where he and Charlie are classmates. Charlie recently attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open but did not progress past the first stage. He did qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur but was unable to advance to match play.
Woods acknowledged the pressure that comes with being in the public eye, particularly for his son at such a young age. He encourages Charlie to remain true to himself and carve his own identity, despite sharing his last name. “I always encourage him to carve his own name, carve his own path, and have his own journey,” Woods stated. He recognizes the challenges faced by young people today in a world dominated by social media and constant scrutiny, and he believes that Charlie is navigating these complexities well.
