Tiger Woods and his son engaged in a family affair at the PNC Championship, but they were outpaced by Matt Kuchar and his son Cameron, who claimed the lead after the first round of the tournament at The Ritz-Carlton Club in Orlando, Florida.
Despite the inclement weather, the day held special significance for Woods, as his 14-year-old son, Charlie, showcased his impressive drives, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sam, acted as his caddie for the first time. However, the Woods team finished at 8-under 64, placing them 3 shots behind the Kuchars, who led with a 15-under 57. The other teams, including golf legends such as Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, David Duval, and Retief Goosen, posed a formidable challenge.
The event, restricted to 20 teams of major champions and their family members, also featured other prominent golfers. Steve Stricker played with his youngest daughter, Izzi, and together they also managed to score 64, placing them in contention for the final round.
For Kuchar and his son, Cameron, this was an enjoyable and thrilling experience, reflecting the dynamic between Tiger and his son on the course. Carson, the elder of the Kuchars, has exhibited enthusiasm for tennis, while Cameron has enthusiastically pursued golf, even serving as his father’s caddie in the Dunhill Links Championship and the Andalucia Masters.
The PNC Championship also witnessed the return of John Daly and his son, who won the event two years ago. For Woods, the event marked one of the few occasions that his daughter, Sam, has accompanied him on the golf course, serving as his caddie and attracting attention and support from family and fans alike.
Notably, Woods, who is recovering from an ankle fusion surgery, expressed his intention to make monthly appearances in tournaments beginning in 2024, demonstrating his determination to return to regular competitive golf. His son, Charlie, exhibited growing skill and agility, keeping pace with more experienced players.
Despite the initial setback, Woods and his son have another day to compensate for their score deficit and compete for the Willie Park Trophy. With Kuchar and his son setting a high standard, it will undoubtedly be an exciting tournament to observe.