Golf

Tiger and Charlie Woods three shots back at PNC Championship

The 15-time Major winner made his return to competitive golf after February car crash

Charlie Woods plays a shot on the second hole as Tiger Woods looks on during round one of the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Sun Dec 19 2021 - 09:52

Tiger Woods made his return to competitive golf alongside his 12-year-old son Charlie at the PNC Championship, finishing three shots off the lead in Orlando.

Following a single-vehicle accident in Los Angeles in February, the 15-time Major winner required surgery on open fractures to his lower right leg and further injuries to his foot and ankle.

Woods, 45, had been undergoing extensive rehabilitation and played down expectations ahead of the 36-hole scramble event in which Major winners team up with a family member.

He used a cart to get around the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and looked to have a slight limp when walking. He grimaced in apparent discomfort after hitting a tee shot on the par-four 16th.

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Team Woods made four birdies in the opening five holes and then six on the back nine to finish Saturday’s round at 10-under and tied for fifth place.

Speaking following their round, Woods said in an interview broadcast by Sky Sports: “It was awesome, just a boatload of fun for all of us.

“Charlie and I had a great day playing with the Thomas family. It just couldn’t really get much better than that.

“I am tired (after the round). Even though I had the chance to ride the cart, I am not in golf shape.

“It is like anything, if you don’t have the endurance, you start slowing down.

“It is nice having a partner who hit drives like he did and make a few putts.

“Our whole family loves to compete, this is an arena he feels comfortable in and so do I.”

Thomas was amazed at what he witnessed, particularly when Woods hit a shot from 220 yards out on the Par 5 third, leaving it eight feet from the hole. “That was just ridiculous,” Thomas said.

“I looked at him and as soon as he sat in the cart, he just kind of looked at me and smiled. And I knew exactly that’s the kind of shots that he hits when he’s healthy.”

Stewart Cink and his son Regan set the clubhouse lead at 13-under with a round of 59, which included an eagle at the fifth and 11 birdies.

Team Daly and Team Thomas, Justin playing alongside his father Mike, are tied for second a shot back, with Team Singh in fourth place at 11-under.