Tiger Woods of the United States during the final round of the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 17, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
"Friday Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at the vital role the PNC Championship plays each year.
The Important Role The PNC Championship Plays
The PNC Championship, now in its 27th year, is more than just a tournament; it's a tribute to the unique bond that golf weaves among families. As one of the standout events on the golfing calendar, the PNC brilliantly showcases how golf and family intersect, from the amateur level to the pinnacle of the sport.
Golf has always been a family affair. For countless golfers, weekends spent on the course with loved ones become treasured memories that last a lifetime. The beauty of golf lies in its ability to bring together both young and old, fostering moments filled with laughter, encouragement, and friendly competition. The PNC Championship captures this spirit perfectly, uniting professional golfers with their family members in an environment that celebrates camaraderie over rivalry. But don't get it twisted; each team teeing it up this weekend includes at least one partner who is among the most celebrated and fierce players in the game's history, so there is indeed something at stake here in Orlando.
For these elite golfers, the PNC Championship presents a unique chance to step away from the high-pressure world of professional golf and experience the game anew. Here, it's not only about the victory; it's about sharing the fairway with fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, or grandchildren, rekindling the joy that sparked their passion for playing. This tournament not only highlights their extraordinary skills with a golf club in their hands but also sheds light on the deep familial bonds that have accompanied their journeys, offering fans a rare glimpse into the personal lives of these athletes.
Ultimately, the PNC Championship serves as a powerful reminder that golf is a bridge that brings families together, transcending trophies, records, and rivalries. For 27 years, it has celebrated the timeless essence of this beloved sport, proving that while swings and scores may evolve, the spirit of family in golf remains unwavering. It stands as a shining testament to golf's enduring legacy as a family-centric sport—a celebration cherished by players and fans alike, rich with stories of love, tradition, and connection.
A Unique Gathering of Golf History
This year's tournament unfolded with an impressive assembly of talent, highlighting some truly amazing statistics. An incredible roster of 11 former World No.1s joined the fray, showcasing an unparalleled level of expertise spanning generations, all gathered together.
The exceptional ensemble included seven Ryder Cup Captains and 15 players with a collective 82 Ryder Cup appearances. These historic golfing figures underscore the tournament's status as a veritable who's who of brilliance from the past 50-plus years in professional golf. From Gary Player and Lee Travino to Tiger Woods and Nelly Korda, the sheer depth of experience is staggering, offering fans a rare opportunity to see so many decorated athletes in one place.
The numbers speak volumes, with more than 1,080 total professional wins and a whopping 69 Major titles shared among the participants this year. This year's event also sees the return of five past champions, adding an extra layer of history and nostalgia to the competition.
Eleven members of the World Golf Hall of Fame will grace the event, bringing their extraordinary legacies and stories to life on the course. As the PNC Championship celebrates its 27th edition, it continues to honor its tradition of excellence and excitement.
A special mention goes to the enduring support of PNC Bank, the title sponsor for 13 years, which recently committed to extending its partnership until 2032. This collaboration ensures that the PNC Championship will continue to bring joy and inspiration to golf fans for many years to come, serving as a remarkable annual showcase of the sport's illustrious history.
The PNC and Tiger Woods, A Match Made in Golfing Heaven
The PNC Championship has been instrumental in Tiger Woods' journey, not just in his illustrious career but also in his personal growth and relationship with his son, Charlie. This unique event, which pairs golf legends with their family members, has offered Tiger a platform to reflect on his legacy while nurturing a deeper bond with Charlie.
For a golfer whose career has been defined by relentless pursuit of excellence and breaking boundaries, the PNC is a breath of fresh air. Here, Tiger isn't just a golf icon; he's a father, a mentor, guiding his son through the nuances of a game that has given him so much. The relaxed atmosphere allows Tiger to embrace a different role, one that transcends winning tournaments—it's about sharing moments and building memories.
The duo's participation showcases not just Tiger's mature outlook on life but also the palpable connection between father and son. Watching Charlie mirror Tiger's swing and demeanor on the course is a testament to their shared passion and mutual respect. Through this event, the golf world witnessed the transfer of not just skills but values and experiences, solidifying a bond that extends beyond golf. The PNC has indeed been an event where Tiger Woods, the athlete, and Tiger Woods, the father, beautifully intertwine.
Trevor Immelman and his son Jacob Immelman (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Newbies in This Year's Field, Trevor Immelman and Freddy Couples
On Thursday, two legends making their debuts at the PNC talked to the media. Trevor Immelman and Fred Couples, both Masters Champions, spoke about their excitement in teeing it up this week…
Immelman, now the lead broadcaster for CBS Golf, told reports the following...
"It's an absolute thrill. For me, it's a little bit different. Obviously I'm not used to playing in tournaments nowadays. It's been, shucks, five years since I've actually competed in a tournament. It's fun to get that going a little bit. But most of all to be able to share this opportunity with my son is, you know, a dream come true. It's always such a cliche, but in this sense, when you've been a golfer your whole life, and then you have a child that falls in love with the game, it's the ultimate dream."
His son, Jacob, a freshman on the golf team at Clemson, spoke on playing in the same tournament as so many legends…
"I mean, to think that I'm playing in the same tournament as Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Nick Price, it's unbelievable to think about. I never thought I would be able to say that. Just kind of taking it all in. It's pretty fun."
1992 Master Champion Fred Couples was asked what Tiger texted him when he heard he was playing with his stepson Hunter…
"He said, Dude, I'm so excited for you. It's just the hang that you're going to love. And I already know all that, but then he said, You want to play? I said, No, we are not playing with you and Charlie. That is not going to happen."
Freddy went on to tell reporters about his excitement in playing this week after watching it on television for many years...
"For me personally, I've seen enough of it that every pro that walks off the 18th green says it was the greatest week of their lives. And if I don't say that, somebody better come and shoot me."
Friday at the PNC is Pro-Am day, and the official event plays out on Saturday and Sunday. Trust me, it's a must-watch TV for any fan of the game.
