Exciting Moments at the PNC Championship
Orlando, Fla. — Tiger Woods experienced a unique thrill even though he didn’t claim victory at the PNC Championship. For Bernhard Langer, at 67 years old, lifting the trophy alongside his son is an ever-sweet experience that never seems to fade. On Sunday, both showcased their remarkable talents, including 15-year-old Charlie Woods achieving his first hole-in-one and Langer sinking a pivotal 18-foot eagle putt on the first playoff hole, adding yet another title to his impressive collection—his sixth at this tournament, where joy abounds for all participants.
“It was a lifetime thrill to witness Charlie make his first hole-in-one, accompanied by family and friends,” Woods shared. “This event is truly about family bonding,” he added, reflecting on the meaningful experiences it fosters.
“Losing doesn’t overshadow the joy of competition,” Woods noted. “Both teams played exceptionally without a hitch, and we had to genuinely earn this.” He acknowledged Langer’s team for their remarkable performance on the course.
Langer and his son Jason secured their second consecutive championship victory, with Langer now holding an exclusive record of winning the PNC Championship back-to-back with two different sons. He initially tasted victory with Stefan in 2005 and 2006, who was present as a caddie for his younger sibling during the event.
What made this tournament particularly special was the intense competition, as Woods was participating for the first time since undergoing a sixth surgery on his lower back last September. The match displayed phenomenal golf from both teams, resulting in only four pars throughout the game and a striking combined score of 15-under 57.
Woods impressed with a daring driver shot from the fairway on the par-5 14th, while Langer countered with a remarkable driver shot out of a bunker, putting him in close proximity to the green. Woods remarked on Langer’s impressive abilities, highlighting the incredible moment shared between the two golf icons, noting that Langer had turned professional a few years prior to Woods being born.
Jason Langer, having transitioned from collegiate golf to a banking career in New York, proved his mettle against golf’s elite, navigating the high-pressure situation with remarkable poise. “I’m immensely proud of him. Many factors come into play when competing with Tiger, but he stood tall,” Langer remarked on his son’s performance during the event.
The camaraderie among the players enhanced the electric atmosphere of the tournament, which saw tight competition throughout, with neither team leading by more than a shot. The duo shattered previous scoring records, finishing with a total of 28-under 116.
Woods beamed with pride when Langer secured the win, though the day’s highlight was witnessing Charlie hit a 7-iron from 175 yards on the fourth hole, landing it perfectly and rolling it into the hole for his ace. Woods joyfully embraced his son as he teased him about treating everyone to a round of drinks after the round.
Despite finishing second, Charlie reflected that the day’s events—from the hole-in-one to the playoff—made it the most enjoyable experience he’s had on a golf course. “Nothing else even comes close,” he stated, expressing his overwhelming happiness.
When it came to the playoff itself, Langer enjoyed an advantage due to the age-specific tee placements, with players over 65 utilizing the shorter set. Charlie made a valiant effort with a 25-foot eagle putt that just slipped past the hole, while Woods missed low, leaving it to Jason Langer to set up his father with the winning shot.
The playoff marked Woods’s first since he lost to Zach Johnson in the 2013 World Challenge, creating an electric atmosphere at the event. Fans braved the chilly weather, filling every seat in the grandstand behind the 18th, relishing the rare opportunity to see Woods in action.
Langer capped off another phenomenal year, having emerged from an Achilles tendon injury sustained while playing pickleball, just earlier in the year. He recovered swiftly and continued his impressive streak on the senior PGA Tour, winning for the 18th consecutive season. With this latest victory, he now boasts six titles at the PNC Championship, four with Jason and two with Stefan.
No other team was within five strokes, with Padraig Harrington and his son Paddy tying for third place, also enjoying their moment when Paddy made a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth. “I was too thrilled to process it; the joy was overwhelming,” Harrington exclaimed about witnessing his son’s achievement, showcasing the event’s familial spirit.
The PNC Championship, featuring major tournament winners paired with family members, ensures an exciting atmosphere despite its modest purse of just over $1 million. Team Langer secured $200,000, equivalent to the new Ryder Cup stipend for American players. Amidst golf’s financial upheaval and transitions, this event provided a refreshing reminder of the sport’s essence: family, fun, and shared joy in competition.
