The PNC Championship Boasts a few Family Rivalries
The PNC Championship, previously the Father/Son Challenge tees off this Saturday for its 28th iteration; notables in the field include Tiger and Charlie Woods and Little and Big John Daly.
Less of a tournament and more of an exhibition that brings families together, the PNC Championship has a few requirements of its participants. Players must have won either a major or The Players Championship during their career and their teammate must be a family member. Previous teams have included fathers, daughters, grandkids and step children of players. There are no age restrictions on teammates but the second member cannot be an active tour player.
The tournament dates back to 1995 (there were a few years when it was not played) where Raymond Floyd and his son Raymond Jr won the first five of seven events. The last four years have produced four different winning teams; Langer, Singh, Daly and Thomas.
Team Daly is a favorite with John Jr. Coming off a strong year including participation at the US Amatuer, a tie for 12th at the Florida Amateur, and finishing top 20 in his first 6 collegiate starts as a red shirt sophomore at Arkansas. Senior has been absent from competitive golf for a few months (his last tournament was in October) but spent much of the early part of the year playing on the Champions Tour. His finishes in 2024 were lackluster with most in 60th place or 70th place.
Team Woods comes in as a contender. Tiger has complained about mobility problems while walking that have affected his play but has performed well considering his limitations with his reconstructed leg and back. On flat lies and discussing his swing and not his endurance, Woods’ was confident in his abilities. Charlie has stagnated in 2024 but has added height and weight since his last PNC appearance. The Woods’ are simultaneously going through growing and recovery pains but are still poised to take a run at the trophy.
"I’m very excited to head back to the PNC Championship next week with Charlie," Woods said in a statement announcing his commitment to play again. "Playing together is something we look forward to and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family."
The Langer’s, last year’s champions, will have a good chance to win this year again. Bernard underwent Achilles tendon surgery early in the year but finished the season strong with a win at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. His son, Jason, is a few years removed from his collegiate golf years at University of Pennsylvania but retains his smooth swing. If Jason had turned to competitive golf it would have made him ineligible to participate in the PNC.
The Duvals are an underdog. David the former world number one has been long since removed from the golf spotlight but has had multiple top 10 finishes on the Champions Tour this year and son Brady previously won the AJGA Showcase in Las Vegas. Brady has since graduated from college and holds an amateur golf ranking of 3012. This team comes into the PNC in good physical condition.
The tournament will take place at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Orlando FL on December 21-22.
Friday pro-am: 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Saturday Round 1: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 12:30-4 p.m. ET (Peacock)
Sunday Round 2: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET (Peacock); 1:30-4:30 p.m. ET (NBC)