5 reasons why Tiger Woods MUST play in the PNC Championship with Charlie Woods
Tiger Woods is contemplating his long-awaited return to competition at next week's PNC Championship.
Tiger Woods is reportedly still mulling over whether to compete in next week's PNC Championship with his 12-year-old son Charlie Woods - but here at GolfMagic, we think it's an absolute no-brainer for him.
Woods, 45, spoke to the media for the first time last week since his horror car crash in Los Angeles back in February, but he made it clear he would not be committing to a full schedule on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.
He did, however, leave the door open to play "hit and giggle" rounds - and there is no greater opportunity for him to do just that than at the annual father-son PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club from December 18 to 19.
While no decision has yet been reached on Woods' commitment to this event, organisers have left a space open for Team Woods should they wish to join at the last minute.
We list five reasons why Tiger should definitely peg it up with Charlie:
#1 - IT'S A "HIT AND GIGGLE" AFTER ALL
Okay yes, the PNC Championship is a serious competition but it's also a bit of a laugh, too. If Tiger wants to feel the competitive juices flowing again but also play without too much pressure, then this is the perfect event for him to make his long-awaited return.
#2 - HE CAN RIDE A GOLF CART
At the PNC Championship, Tiger is permitted the use of a golf cart. Therefore he can just hit his shot and then jump straight back in the cart to watch his son. There is a real relaxed vibe to this tournament.
#3 - ANOTHER CHANCE FOR CHARLIE TO SHOW OFF HIS TALENT TO THE WORLD
Tiger has made it abundantly clear in recent years that he will not be putting any pressure on his son Charlie to reach the PGA Tour one day, but deep down, Woods knows just how good his 12-year-old son really is. The PNC provides yet another chance for Charlie to show off his talent to the world. Charlie dazzled on debut 12 months ago at the 2020 PNC Championship, rolling home birdies and eagles for fun. It will also be really interesting to see how much further Charlie's game has progressed.
#4 - IT'S ONLY 36 HOLES AND NOT THE LONGEST COURSE IN THE WORLD
The fact Tiger can drive around in a cart is a huge positive, but also the fact the PNC is only two rounds and on a fairly short course. Tiger can just take it really easy out there if he wants. It's just over 7,000 yards from the tips, which by modern standards is not that long, at least not compared to most PGA Tour venues on the circuit.
#5 - IT'S A SCRAMBLE FORMAT AND TIGER CAN USE CHARLIE'S DRIVES
Tiger doesn't even have to hit long shots from the tee if he doesn't want to as it's a Scramble format, he can rely on Charlie's drives. Given Charlie is playing off the forward, junior tees, and he can rip it, Charlie will likely always be ahead of where Tiger drives it anyway. In one of the rounds last year, Team Woods used Charlie's shot 15 times in the the round. Tiger can just come into his own on the par-3 holes if need be. Let Charlie rip it off the tee, and then Charlie and Tiger can take dead aim from there.