After weeks of uncertainty regarding whether Tiger Woods, 48, would be fit enough to participate in the season-ending PNC Championship, the 15-time major champion confirmed on December 10 through a written statement that he will indeed play.“I’m very excited to head back to the PNC Championship next week with Charlie,” Woods said, referring to his 15-year-old son. “Playing together is something we always look forward to, and it’s even more special when surrounded by friends and family.”During the final round broadcast of the Hero World Challenge on Sunday night, NBC Sports host Dan Hicks asked Woods whether he would compete in the PNC Championship. Although Woods didn’t confirm at the time, his smile hinted at his participation. This announcement comes after Woods underwent his sixth back surgery in September, while still recovering from leg and ankle injuries from his severe car accident in February 2021.A significant factor in Woods’ decision to play in the PNC Championship is the allowance to use a golf cart, easing the strain on his injuries. The PNC Championship is a 36-hole scramble event featuring 20 teams composed of major champions and their family members. Team Woods has yet to claim a victory in this event but came close in 2021, finishing as runners-up to John Daly and his son, John Daly II.Despite Woods missing three of four major cuts this season, he and Charlie are optimistic about their chances of securing their first PNC Championship title. Charlie, who made his USGA championship debut at the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills earlier this year, missed the cut after shooting rounds of 82 and 80. However, he recently placed T29 at the Class 1A Florida High School Boys State Championship, where his school finished as the runner-up.As for Woods’ return to the PGA Tour, he stated he would only do so when he feels capable of competing at the highest level. “I’m still not there,” Woods admitted during his Hero World Challenge last week. “These are 20 of the best players in the world, and I’m not sharp enough to compete against them yet. When I’m ready to compete at this level, I will.”Looking ahead, Woods confirmed his participation in the upcoming TGL, a tech-enhanced indoor golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy. Initially scheduled to launch in January 2024, the league’s start has been delayed by a year due to the collapse of the SoFi Center stadium roof.
Leave a Reply