Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie made an impressive start at the PNC Championship, shooting a 13-under 59 in the scramble format to share the lead after the first round. This marked Woods' return to competitive golf following back surgery in September, which he timed to ensure he could play alongside his son for the fifth consecutive year.
Joining the Woods duo at the top of the leaderboard are the defending champions Bernhard Langer and son Jason, as well as Vijay Singh and son Qass. Langer, known for his consistency on the PGA Tour Champions, showcased his skills with eight birdies and an eagle during the round.
Woods, despite downplaying his own performance and citing rustiness, highlighted the joy of playing alongside his son and the teamwork they displayed throughout the day. Charlie's putting prowess was particularly instrumental in their success.
The tournament, which emphasizes family participation, saw Woods' daughter Sam serving as his caddie for the second year in a row. The presence of family members added a special touch to the event, with Elin, Woods' ex-wife, among the spectators.
Several other notable pairings made their mark on the leaderboard, including Padraig Harrington and son Paddy, and Tom Lehman and son Sean, who finished at 12-under 60. However, a late stumble by the Lehmans on the final hole cost them the outright lead.
With a competitive field vying for the title, the Woods team's strong performance has generated significant interest in the tournament. Langer expressed excitement about the competition and anticipated an engaging final round for the spectators.
Charlie Woods, reflecting on his recent experiences in junior golf, emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. His father, a seasoned champion with 82 PGA Tour titles, echoed the sentiment of continuous learning and improvement.
Notable participants in the PNC Championship include Annika Sorenstam playing with her son and Nelly Korda teaming up with her father. The event provides a platform for major champions and their family members to showcase their skills and bond over the love of the game.
As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with each team aiming to secure the coveted title at the prestigious event.
