While many may not have initially earmarked it as a must-watch, the PNC Championship arguably proved to be one of the best events on the golfing calendar in the latter months of 2024.
Heading into December, golf fans would have been forgiven for picking out The Showdown as the highlight. However, The Showdown proved to be a disappointment, while the PNC Championship was something of a revelation.
The event saw so many of the game’s greats battling it out. And of course, any chance to watch Tiger Woods is always going to attract attention. However, he was almost upstaged by his son, with Charlie Woods making his first ever hole in one during the second round at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
Ultimately, the event came down to Team Woods and Bernhard Langer and his son Jason. Team Langer had won the event five times previously, while Woods was looking for his first triumph.
What Tiger Woods told Bernhard Langer after their playoff at the PNC Championship
However, they will have to wait a little longer for that victory. Bernhard Langer holed an eagle putt to win in a playoff.
It really does appear that Woods enjoys the PNC Championship more than any other event. And he had a classy reaction after coming so close to winning last month. Speaking on Bible Caddie, Langer shared what the experience of playing with Team Woods on Sunday was like, as well as what the 15-time major champion said after the playoff.
“It was truly exciting, Sunday. Charlie made his first hole in one ever. None of us see it because the hole was hidden behind the bunker, and we’re all looking at each other, ‘what, is it in? Was that an ace cheer or just close to the hole?’ And Tiger was really excited, never seen him this excited before. It was really cool,” he said.
“Very fortunate, in the playoff, I dropped that last putt. My son Jason hit a beautiful six iron in there, or five iron, to about 18 feet. And Tiger seemed genuinely happy for us. He came over, gave me a hug and smiled and just said, ‘hey, you’re still one of the best’. It was a cool experience for all of us.
“I know the majority of the spectators wanted Tiger to win. But we pulled it off. And I’m convinced Charlie will win this several times in the near future.”
The shot Langer hit at the PNC Championship which stunned Tiger Woods
Langer has had such an incredible career. His longevity is perhaps only rivalled by Gary Player, who turns 90 later this year.
The German has won more events on the Champions Tour than anyone else, while he has had at least one victory on that tour every year since 2007 – two years before Charlie Woods was even born.
And yet, Langer continues to impress. Tiger Woods claimed Langer hit one of the best shots he had ever seen during the final round, as he hit out of a bunker with a driver.
It would be no surprise therefore, to see Team Langer contend at the PNC Championship again in 2025. But perhaps there will be a little more determination from Team Woods to now get the job done.
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