Tiger Woods and Charlie Woods 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)
RG's "Wednesday Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights. Elliott looks at this week's much anticipated PNC Championship, the return of Tiger, and team PGA TOUR’s dominance at The Showdown.
PNC Preview: Tiger and Charlie Woods Back
The PNC Championship is once again graced by the much-anticipated return of Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son, Charlie Woods. This father-son duo has captured the hearts of golf fans worldwide with their visible chemistry and shared passion for the game. The spotlight this week will undoubtedly be on them as they navigate the beautifully challenging Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, a test ground marking Tiger's resilience and Charlie's promising potential.
“Playing together is something we look forward to, and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family,” Tiger said earlier this week.
Team Langer's Defend
Defending champions Bernhard Langer and his son Jason return with the ambition to hold onto their title. At 67, Langer remains a prominent figure in the game, showcasing impressive endurance and skill. Since 2007, Langer has amassed 47 wins, 42 runner-ups, and 29 third-place finishes. An outstanding career on the Champion Tour. His partnership with his son Jason proved to be a winning formula last year at the PNC, and the golf world will be watching closely to see if they can repeat their success in this highly anticipated event.
Newcomers to the PNC Championship: Fred Couples and Trevor Immelman
This year, the PNC Championship welcomes Fred Couples and Trevor Immelman, who are making their tournament debuts. Couples and Immelman, both former Masters champions, bring with them a wealth of experience and a strategic flair. Their presence adds an exciting dimension to the competition as they join the ranks of previous major winners, each vying to make their mark in this family-centric event. Freddy will play with his 16-year-old stepson, Hunter Hannemann, and Trevor will play alongside his son, Jacob, a Freshman on the Clemson golf team.
Female Stars in the Field
The PNC is proud to feature female golf icons like Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, who will compete alongside some of their favorite golfing family members. Nelly will tee it up with her father, Peter, while Annika will partner with her son, 13-year-old Will, a fan favorite at last year's event. Their participation highlights the tournament's inclusive nature and underscores the ever-growing prominence and talent in women's golf.
Host Course: Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, FL
The 2024 PNC Championship will take place against the luxurious backdrop of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. This course features a challenging yet rewarding layout meticulously designed by Greg Norman, which tests every aspect of the game. With its pristine fairways and strategically placed hazards, the venue promises an exciting competition and a stunning visual experience for both attendees and viewers.
As with previous editions, the PNC Championship inspires all fans of the game. Centered around family, this competition beautifully intertwines elite professional golf with the heartfelt connections the game nurtures among families. The PNC is always a fantastic way to usher in the holidays and end the year in golf.
The Showdown: Rory and Scottie Cruise
The highly anticipated match pitting PGA TOUR stars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler against LIV Golf representatives Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka wasn't much of a contest, as the PGA TOUR duo won pretty handily. The match format was a mix of four-ball, foursomes, and singles, adding an interesting dynamic to the made-for-television competition. McIlroy and Scheffler were clearly in form, showcasing the skill that won Rory the DP World Tour crown earlier this year and Scottie 9 wins in 2024. The pair emerged victorious in both the four-ball and foursomes sessions, gaining a substantial lead before the singles matches even commenced.
A Dominant Performance: McIlroy and Scheffler Shine
McIlroy’s putter was undeniably on fire during this Showdown. He displayed remarkable consistency on the greens, sinking crucial putts that secured their early advantage. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler's 2024 season continued its impressive trajectory with his dominant performance during the singles session. His tee game and clutch putting spelled trouble for Koepka, ultimately sealing the victory for Team PGA TOUR.
Unexpected Challenges and Lighthearted Moments
The match was filled with unexpected twists and plenty of laughter. One particularly funny moment happened when Bryson DeChambeau accidentally hit a stray shot that struck Scottie Scheffler’s dad. Thankfully, he was perfectly fine and took it all in stride. Another highlight was when a fan gave it his all, trying to use Rory’s putter for a chance to win a prize. It was a valent effort, even though he didn’t quite make it, and the best part of that segment was the fan saying Rory over-red the putt. The players kept the mood light with some good-natured ribbing, and the real stars of the night were the fantastic telecast team featuring Charles Barkley, Bubba Watson, and Trevor Immelman.
Final Thoughts
In the end, McIlroy and Scheffler’s victory secured them a hefty $10 million prize in cryptocurrency and delivered a decisive win for the PGA Tour over their LIV Golf counterparts. The Crypto.com Showdown was not merely a contest between today's stars of the game but a reflection of the ongoing rivalry between these two golfing worlds. Despite a fairly lackluster contest overall, golf won the night after seeing the greats from both the PGA Tour and LIV have a friendly match. Hopefully, the professional game can continue the healing process.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
