Tiger Woods announces return to golf as he plans to play tournament alongside son Charlie
Tiger Woods is set to make his competitive golf return alongside his 15-year-old son Charlie at the PNC Championship later this month, marking his first tournament appearance since The Open in July.
The 48-year-old golf legend, who underwent his sixth back surgery in September, will compete in the family-focused event at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando.
The father-son duo will participate in the 36-hole tournament from December 21/22, continuing their annual tradition that began in 2020.
The PNC Championship invites major champions and Players Championship winners to compete alongside family members, typically their children.
“Playing together is something we look forward to and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family,” Woods said.
The tournament features 20 teams competing in a 36-hole format at the Florida venue.
Because it is sanctioned by the PGA Tour Champions, Woods will be permitted to use a cart during play.
Woods opted to skip last week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, where he serves as tournament host, stating he wasn’t “sharp enough” to compete against the world’s top players.
The 15-time major champion underwent microdiscectomy surgery in September to address leg pain, his sixth operation on his lower back.
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His recent major appearances have been challenging, with Woods missing the cut in three majors this year, though he did set a Masters record in April by making his 24th consecutive cut.
Team Woods will be making their fifth consecutive appearance at the PNC Championship, having first competed together in 2020 when Charlie was just 11 years old.
The pair achieved their best finish in 2021, claiming second place in the tournament.
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Charlie, now a sophomore at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, has been developing his own golf career, making his first USGA championship appearance at the U.S. Junior Amateur this year.
The Woods duo finished fifth in last year’s tournament and are still seeking their first PNC Championship victory.
The tournament will welcome several new teams this year, including Fred Couples with stepson Hunter Hannemann and Trevor Immelman partnering with son Jacob.
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The field features a remarkable age range, with 13-year-old Will McGee, son of Annika Sorenstam, competing alongside 89-year-old Gary Player.
Professional golfer Nelly Korda returns to partner with her father, former tennis Grand Slam champion Petr Korda.
Other notable pairings include Padraig and Paddy Harrington, Nick and Matthew Faldo, and Lee and Daniel Trevino.