Tiger and Charlie Woods lost in a playoff at the PNC Championship.
Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss impressions of Tiger (and Charlie) Woods' finish at the PNC Championship, the PGA Tour vs. LIV 'Showdown,' our favorite 2024 moments and more.
Tiger Woods teamed with his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship, making the 36-hole scramble his first start since the Open Championship in July (and his latest back surgery). Sunday had it all: Charlie's first-ever hole-in-one, an impressive driver off the deck from Tiger and, ultimately, the Langers beating Team Woods in a playoff. What were your thoughts on Tiger and Charlie's weekend in Florida?
Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): It was a lot of fun -- especially so because they were in contention coming down the stretch. It's also nice to see Tiger smiling (rather than grimacing) on the golf course. The tournament didn't give any meaningful insights into Tiger's future competitive chances (this course is a bunny slope while majors are played on black diamonds) but that's OK. Just seeing Tiger and Charlie having fun out there is a treat in itself.
Alan Bastable, executive editor (@alan_bastable): Fun, sure. But also competitive. You could feel both teams burning to win in that playoff. Also, not to get all sentimental, but you must tip your hat to the game at large on this December Sunday! What other sport allows participants of such varying ages and abilities to compete equitably against one another in such a charged environment? To be more specific, you had arguably the best golfer ever and his 15-year-old kid squaring off against a 67-year-old who won his last major 34 years ago and his investment banker son -- and it made for a riveting watch. By the way, what a pleasure to see Tiger hitting pressure-filled shots just three months removed from his sixth back surgery and in the wake of what was otherwise a mostly grim season for him. For Tiger optimists, 2025 is undoubtedly looking brighter than it did a week ago.
Jack Hirsh, Associate Equipment Editor (@JR_HIRSHey): I think you guys covered any meaningful takeaways from Tiger's week, but how about Chuck to make the ace and then come up with some pretty clutch shots the rest of the way, especially putts! I too made my first hole-in-one at 15 in a tournament and barely kept my next swing on the golf course (I finished that round double-birdie-triple). Again, we have to temper our expectations for Charlie as he is just a 15-year-old kid playing with a completely unfair amount of pressure, but it was certainly fun to see the mannerism comparisons once again and the whole Woods family having fun.