Tiger Woods and his 13-year-old son Charlie played in the PNC Championship despite having a sore foot and an injured ankle. Based on their performance on Saturday, they may even be able to win.
The duo Woods referred to as “Team Ice Bath” because to their ailments completed the scramble format with a 13-under 59, two strokes behind Justin Thomas and his father, club professional Mike Thomas.
Team Thomas won the championship belt two years ago, at the PNC Championship, when Woods first presented Charlie to a national televised audience.
“During Christmas dinner, they insulted us. “They are in an excellent position to perhaps do it again for Christmas dinner,” added Woods. “However, we will have a few words to say about the matter.”
With the way the father and son were staggering around The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, it seemed improbable that they would finish in the top five.
Woods, hobbling on his right foot due to plantar pain, chipped in for eagle from behind the fifth green, hit whatever shot was required, and finished the front nine with putts of 20 feet and 35 feet.
After he aced the par-5 fifth hole’s tee shot, Charlie’s left ankle stung so much that he fell to his knees. The tournament was sanctioned by the PGA Tour Champions, so he was permitted to go in a cart with his father, and he even changed his shoes on the practice range to see if it would help.
The young youngster delivered a wedge to 3 feet for their first birdie, a 20-footer, during their amazing run when they shot 9-under par for eight holes. Charlie completed the round with a 6-foot birdie putt, bending down to retrieve his father’s penny before the ball entered the cup.
“Some shots were quite painful. “Walking was difficult,” Charlie told the reporters for the first time at this competition. “But it turned out okay. It wasn’t that terrible.”
Team Thomas, who delivered two eagles and concluded with a bunker birdie for a 15-under 57, must still be caught.
Even though Vijay Singh and his son Qaas were the first to shoot 59, Woods and Thomas will comprise the last group. Charlie referred to them as a “large family” because they spent so much time at home with the Thomas family. The caddie for Tiger Woods is Joe LaCava, while his son caddies for Charlie.
“You’re now witnessing what we do all the time at home,” Woods remarked on his son’s playtime. “We just have fun. We irritate one another. We support one another. It oscillates back and forth It is a remarkable friendship that strengthens the tie between father and son. It has been a privilege to share this stage and atmosphere with him throughout the years.”
There is an abundance of chirping.
Charlie made a 20-footer on the seventh hole, prompting Thomas to say, “Welcome to the Father-Son,” a reference to the original name of the tournament and an opportunity to rib him for finally contributing to the score.
“We’re simply four pals playing golf,” Thomas explained. “Today, Charlie made more than his fair share of challenging putts, so I made sure to remind him of that. Also, he made some extremely, extremely good putts and shots, so it was good.”
Woods was forced to withdraw from the Hero World Challenge two weeks ago, and he did not appear very sharp in a made-for-television team match last week.
Except for the limp, he appeared more than capable when holding a golf club.
“This is exactly what I’ve been saying. “I can hit the ball, but I have difficulty going from A to B,” Woods explained. “I’ve had a couple of trying years. I’ve missed being able to compete and play, but I’m thrilled to be a part of this game and to be able to do this.”
His sole objective for 2022 was to compete in the 150th British Open at St. Andrews. He ended up playing in three major leagues and stated, “I can play with my son.”
Singh and his 32-year-old son are competing for the sixteenth time; in 2020, they finished second to Team Thomas. They shot a 59 by birdieing seven of the last eight holes.
Monday, Woods will begin working on a recovery plan for his right foot. For the time being, he has one more day with his kid as they attempt to win for the first time.
“I know how difficult it is for him to be out here playing,” said Mark O’Meara, who was playing with his son four years ago. “When you want Tiger to do something, you should typically tell him he can’t do it. That is often when he does it.
It’s cool that he comes to play with Charlie, but I have no idea what the future holds.
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