ORLANDO, Fla. — Tiger WoodsCharlie, 13, and her brother Charlie, 13, werent going to let a sore ankle and a bad foot keep them from playing in the PNC Championship. They may even be able win it, judging by the way they played on Saturday.
Woods, a partnership, was referred to as Team Ice Bath due to their injuries. They finished the scramble format with a 13-under-59, two shots behind. Justin ThomasClub professional, his father Mike Thomas.
Team Thomas won a championship belt two years back, when Woods introduced Charlie to a national television audience at PNC Championship.
They rubbed that in our faces over Christmas dinner. Woods said that they are in a good position to do it again for Christmas dinner. But we will have a little bit to say about it.
It was impossible to be in the mix, even if you are part of the last group, the way that father and son were scooting around The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando seemed unlikely.
Woods, who was still suffering from plantar fasciitis, was unable to walk due to his right foot. He chipped in for an eagle from behind fifth green, hit any shot needed, and closed out the front nine by hitting putts of 20 and 35 feet.
Charlies left ankle was sore that he had to drop to his knees when he hit the par-5 fifth green tee shot. He rode in a cart alongside his dad, which is permitted by the PGA Tour Champions. He even changed his shoes on practice range to see if it would help.
The young teen contributed a wedge of 3 feet to their first birdie, and a 20-footer during their big run. They played an eight-hole stretch in 9 under par. Charlie completed the round with a 6-foot birdie, reaching down to grab his fathers coin before it even reached the cup.
On some shots, it hurt a lot. Charlie admitted that walking was difficult during his first appearance in front of the media at this tournament. It was all okay. It wasnt so bad.
They have to find Team Thomas, who delivered two eagles for them and closed with a birdie in the bunker for a 15 under 57.
Even though Vijay SinghQass, his son, were the first to achieve 59. Woods & Thomas will be the last. Charlie called it a big family because the Thomas family spends a lot of time at home with them. Joe LaCava and LaCava’s son serve as caddies to Charlie.
Woods shared his thoughts about playing with his son. You guys are now looking at what we do all of the time at home. We just have fun. We can needle each other. We encourage one another. Its a reciprocal relationship. Its a wonderful relationship and only deepens the bonds between father and son. Its been amazing to be able share this stage with him over the years.
There is a lot of chirping.
Charlie hit a 20-footer on No. 7 and Thomas said to Charlie, Welcome To the Father-Son, a reference the original tournament name and an opportunity to rib him for contributing to the score.
Thomas said, Were just four guys going out and having fun playing golf. Charlie hit his fair share today of putts very hard, so I made sure that he was reminded of that. He also hit some really, truly great shots and putts, so it was good.
Woods had to pull out of the Hero World Challenge two weeks ago. He also didnt look sharp in a team match made for TV last week.
Except for his limp, he looked capable with a golf ball in his hand.
Its exactly what Ive been saying. Woods stated that while I can hit the ball, it is more difficult for me to get from Point A to Point B. It has been a frustrating few years. However, I am grateful to be able be a part this game and to be capable of doing this.
His sole goal for 2022 was the British Open 150th at St. Andrews. He ended up playing three majors, and he said, Im able play with my son.
Singh and his 32 year-old son are playing in the 16th edition of the tournament. Their best finish was a runner up to Team Thomas in 2020. They birdied seven of the last eight holes to score a 59.
Woods stated that he will begin working on a plan to heal his right foot on Monday. He will spend another day with his son to try and win the first time.
I know how difficult it must be for him to be out there playing, he said. Mark OMearaTiger, who was four years old back, playing with his son. Normally, Tiger wont do something if you tell it so. Thats when he usually does it.
I don’t know what the future holds but it’s cool that he comes to play with Charlie.
DIVOTS:Woods began the round by stopping at the tee to offer congratulations to Elin on her recent birth. Charlie also joined in, and Woods smiled and stated, We have to get to work. Annika Sorenstam was 11 years old when Will McGee, her 11-year-old, made a 40 foot birdie putt on hole 9. They were at 62 with Nelly KordaAnd her father.