Tiger Woods is back in action. And yes, yes, yes — we know Friday is just a pro-am. But remember this — the man was in a near-fatal car accident 10 months ago and this week’s PNC Championship is the first event he’s entered since. There’s also the fact that this is the same tournament in which Woods and his son, Charlie, delighted the TV audience with their play last year.
Oh, and lastly, it’s December golf. What else is going on?!
Friday at the PNC gives way to the actual tournament action on Saturday and Sunday, but here’s the catch: Friday’s broadcast is 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET on Golf Channel, and Tiger and Charlie tee off at 9 a.m. on the Grande Lakes Orlando course at the Ritz-Carlton. Sure, they’ll be highlights shown on Golf Channel later, but if you want boots-on-the-ground reporting in real time, we’re here to keep you informed.
There’s a lot to look forward to on Friday and this weekend, and the golf world is obviously intrigued to see how Tiger looks when taking (somewhat) meaningful golf swings. When will he play next on the PGA Tour? Who knows. But for now, we’re gonna enjoy watching him back on the golf course.
PNC Championship quick links
— Why it’s a perfect spot for Tiger’s return
— Friday pro-am pairings
— How to watch the PNC Championship
— A new piece of gear Tiger will use at the PNC
Tiger Woods, Charlie Woods take on PNC Championship pro-am
(Time stamps are ET / Refresh for latest updates at the top)
2:26 p.m. – After a few hours and more than a few giggles in this hit-and-giggle, Tiger is officially done on the course for the day. In his post-round presser, he touched on a handful of topics, including his excitement at being able to return to the game.
Perhaps most interestingly, he shot down any consideration to using a cart to play on the PGA Tour, saying he’d retire before he did that.
2:03 p.m. – If you haven’t been keeping a close eye on Charlie Woods’ equipment setup, fear not! Our Jonathan Wall has. GOLF’s Equipment guru made a surprising discovery watching the coverage of this morning’s pro-am: Charlie appears to be playing with the same “Elder Wand” Scotty Cameron putter his father made famous. The putter, which has been shortened for Charlie, even appears to include Tiger’s name stamped into the back of the head, perhaps making it among the Tiger Woods “backups” that have recently sold for upwards of $100,000 in memorabilia auctions.
1:53 p.m. – It was only a matter of time until Phil Mickelson chimed in on the goings-on in Orlando. Naturally, he chirped a response in very typical Phil fashion.
1:42 p.m. – It sure seems Joe LaCava is happy about where things stand for his partner at the PNC Championship …
1:31 p.m. – Tiger’s old pal and sparring partner David Duval could barely contain his excitement when asked about his son’s experience paired with Tiger/Charlie on Friday.
“I’m used to playing with Tiger Woods, but to go out, and Brady’s now playing with Tiger Woods, there’s something to that. Even though I’ve talked to him and said ‘he’s a great guy, he’s a buddy, he’s going to have fun and laugh and cut up,’ — he’s still Tiger Woods.”
Woods is certainly taking it easy down the back nine at the Pro-Am, but that hasn’t blunted the experience any for his playing partners.
1:20 p.m. – It appears Tiger is done at max effort for the afternoon. The 15-time major champ has begun limiting his swings, according to GOLF’s Dylan Dethier (who is on the ground with the group). It’s all in an effort, Tiger says, to save himself for the weekend. Hard to argue the logic, given Friday amounts to nothing in the grander scheme of the tournament.
1:00 p.m. – Golf Channel grabbed a few minutes with Tiger Woods this morning, who expressed his gratitude for the fan response in Orlando.
“The people have been so receptive and so warm and so caring. I didn’t expect it to be like this but it’s just been so positive, and I’m so thankful.”
As for Charlie, Tiger was enthused by his length off the tee (“I might not need to hit [a drive]!”) and appeared excited to be sharing the moment with his son.
“We’re here as a team. We’re here to have fun. That’s the most important thing to do this week, the score will take care of itself.”
12:54 p.m. – With Golf Channel finally coming on air, the first batch of video highlights are beginning to creep their way out of Orlando. And well, even if it’s a pro-am, it’s good to be back. Tiger looks smooth and comfortable swinging, while Charlie is as exuberant as ever.
12:35 p.m. – Tiger with driver is going to be an interesting aspect of this comeback. According to Mike Thomas, Justin Thomas’ father, Tiger is hitting it a long way. He’s got plenty of pop still, but what he might not totally have is stamina to go at it a bunch every single day.
12:20 p.m. – No update here. Just a fun video of a father trolling his son’s concentration.
12:01 p.m. – Sounds like the pro-am is going like a lot of pro-ams go: Pros hitting most of the shots that the team uses. Charlie is an am, for the record. But he might be the best am in the group.
11:47 a.m. – GEAR CHECK. Adam Schupak dived in for a closer look at the gear Tiger is gaming right now. Some new bats in there.
11:11 a.m. – Tiger said recently that he can still chip and putt with the best of the Tour. While we won’t see that for sure for awhile, it sounds like the hands are still dialed in.
10:48 a.m. – On-course update!
10:37 a.m. – This seems good…
10:25 a.m. – Apparently Charlie has one pretty epic putter in his golf bag.
10:20 a.m. – Todd Lewis just reported into Golf Channel’s Golf Today broadcast and said Charlie’s playing at about 6,000 yards this week. At a year older (12), he’s gained about 15-20 yards off the tee since last year and works with Justin Thomas’ dad, Mike Thomas, on his swing. According to Lewis, Mike Thomas said Charlie has all the shots but needs to work on his course smarts a bit. (Sounds like a 12-year-old, no?)
10:10 a.m. – Backtracking to the 1st hole; here’s Tiger’s tee shot.
9:30 a.m. – So far, so good!
9:20 a.m. – Easy birdie for Tiger to start? OK.
8:50 a.m. – Good morning! Hope everyone is excited to watch December pro-am golf today. Here’s Charlie and Tiger warming up.
And here’s Charlie rolling in some putts. Brad Faxon recently wrote about his impressions when he gave Charlie a putting lesson.