Tiger Woods isn’t the only one in his family creating memorable moments; his 15-year-old son, Charlie, achieved a remarkable milestone during the PNC Championship by making his first hole-in-one on Sunday. The excitement radiating from Woods was palpable, perhaps even more intense than if he had accomplished the feat himself. “That was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to have that moment with Charlie, make his first hole-in-one,” Woods expressed after the round.
Charlie struck a 7-iron from 175 yards on the par-3 fourth hole at the Ritz-Carlton Club Orlando. This incredible shot played a significant role in their team’s impressive score of 15-under 57 during the tournament’s scramble format. The ace nearly propelled Team Woods to victory, but Bernhard Langer managed to sink an 18-foot eagle putt, resulting in a playoff win over Woods and his son.
In a twist of joy, Charlie was initially unaware that his shot had gone in. A large crowd near the green erupted in cheers, and fans on the opposite side held up their index fingers—some pointing down to signify the ball had gone in, while others pointed up to indicate his score. It wasn’t until the television cameras confirmed the moment that he realized he had achieved the hole-in-one.
“Having Dad there was awesome,” Charlie reflected. “That was so much fun. It was just a perfect 7-iron, a little cut in there. Of course, never getting to see it go in is a bummer, but that’s all right.” Woods embraced his son tightly before playfully pushing him away, reveling in the moment.
“We heard the cheers from up on the green, but we couldn’t be sure until the TV confirmed it. Then we went wild,” Woods recounted. “I can’t recall exactly what we did, but we had a blast. It was truly an unforgettable experience.” This marks the fifth consecutive year that Woods and Charlie have participated in the 36-hole tournament, with this being the second time they have finished as runners-up.
Regardless of their placement, the day was unforgettable for both. When asked where Sunday ranked among the most enjoyable moments he had on the golf course—making an ace, being competitive, and entering a playoff—Charlie didn’t hesitate. “No. 1,” he replied. “It’s not even close.”