At the beginning of the final round of the PNC Championship, there was the potential for a memorable day of action at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando thanks to a stacked leaderboard.
That included Tiger and his son Charlie Woods, who shared the lead with Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, and Vijay Singh and his son Qass.
Beneath them, the likes of Team Harrington, Team Lehman and Team Korda were all in contention as some of the greats of the game set us up for a grandstand finish. However, no one could have predicted just how entertaining the final round would be.
For Tiger and Charlie, there was a real opportunity for their first title at the fifth time of asking, while the Langers had been there several times before. They won the event last year and were eyeing their sixth title. Team Singh has also enjoyed the winning feeling, having claimed the honors two years ago.
The opening holes saw no one conceding ground, with Team Singh the first to open a narrow lead, before the Langers and Team Woods hit back. That remained a theme throughout an afternoon punctuated by moments of brilliance.
While much of the attention, naturally, was on Woods Sr, who was playing his first event since undergoing back surgery in September, it was Charlie who stole the headlines with a brilliant hole-in-one on the par 3 fourth, which cemented a strong start after the pair birdied their first two holes.
Tiger Woods watched as Charlie made his first hole-in-one
(Image credit: Getty Images)
However, the Singhs weren’t to be outdone. Soon after, Vijay, ever the competitor, rolled in a beautiful eagle on the fifth the gave him and Qass the lead again.
While the attention was at the top of the leaderboard, there was soon – incredibly – a second ace of the day, this time courtesy of Padraig Harrington’s son, Paddy, who obliged from the par-3 eighth to move the pair joint top of the leaderboard with Team Woods, Team Langer and Team Singh.
Paddy Harrington hit the second hole-in-one of the round
(Image credit: Getty Images)
On we went, and soon, it was Team Langer to enjoy a spell at the top after Bernhard holed his birdie putt at the sixth, although their joy was short-lived after Tiger then hauled Team Woods back level with his own birdie putt at the same hole.
By the turn, the lead had become one for Team Woods over the Langers after Tiger’s birdie putt was followed by a rare miss for birdie from Bernhard.
Cheers could be heard shortly afterwards as there was yet another moment to remember as 89-year-old Gary Player holed an eagle putt on the 18th to sign off in style. By the 11th, with the focus back on the leaders, Tiger and Charlie ensured they cemented their one-shot advantage, this time over Team Singh.
However, it wasn’t long until the Singhs began to run out of steam, and that left Team Woods and Team Langer to battle it out for the title after the impressive Jason made his birdie putt to follow a rare missed birdie opportunity from the Woods.
That drew them level, and they continued to stand toe-to-toe as the action continued. By the end of the 16th hole, both teams were level pegging on 27-under – a joint record lowest total, originally set by John Daly and John Daly II in 2021.
That left a near certainty that we’d see a new record low with two holes to play. It looked even more likely after Tiger found the green on the par-3 17th with one of the shots of an amazing day, and his smile that followed said it all about its quality.
If that appeared to give Team Woods a crucial advantage, it wasn’t taken. Despite the Langers missing their birdie attempt, neither Charlie nor Tiger could take advantage and we headed to the 18th neck-and-neck.
It looked as though the Langers would claim victory on the 18th when they had two looks for eagle, but both Jason and Bernhard’s efforts narrowly missed to leave the Woods – who had been in trouble off the green – to finish with a birdie as their opponents followed suit.
Back to the 18th we went for a playoff, and this time, they both had realistic eagle attempts. Team Woods was first from the edge of the green, but each came close, but not close enough. The Langers, meanwhile, were nicely on the green. Jason was first to try. It was good, but just right.
Bernhard Langer holed the winning putt
(Image credit: Getty Images)
That left the chance for Bernhard to clinch a record sixth title for Team Langer. He was typically assured and in it went to deny Tiger his first trophy win in 1,883 days following victory at the 2019 Zozo Championship.
T1 (-28) Team Langer, Team Woods (Team Langer wins in playoff)
Team Annika, comprising Annika Sorenstam and Will McGee, has made an absolutely flying start to the second round. The pair have birdied the first four holes to share the lead!
NO CART FOR TIGER FOR SECOND DAY
Tiger Woods can use a cart this week, but despite his insistence that he's got some way to go to be ready for the rigors of a full-blown tournament, he's yet to take advantage of the wheels. That's continued so far in his second round and surely bodes well after his back surgery in September, even without the fact he's playing brilliantly...
EAGLE FOR VIJAY AS TEAM SINGH REGAIN SOLO LEAD
The competitive edge that defined Vijay Singh through the years clearly hasn't left him. Far from it. No sooner had Charlie Woods sent the crowd into raptures with the first hole in one of his career to give him and Tiger the outright lead, Vijay has just rolled in a beautiful eagle putt on the fifth to give him and son Qass the lead. The pair won the event two years ago, and it looks like they're going to push to the Woods' all the way here.
PAR FOR TEAM WOODS TO RETAIN TOP SPOT
An errant tee shot from Charlie on the eighth means we're using Tiger's tee shot, which landed just off the front of the green. Charlie goes first with the putter and leaves it just a foot or so to the left of the hole. That gave Tiger a nice read, but his putt goes just the other side of the hole. They settle for par to stay on 20-under.
Soon after, Bernhard Langer, using that broomstick putter he's known for, eyes a birdie and the outright lead, but it has just a tad too much pace and lips out.
ENCOURAGING SIGNS FOR TIGER
Tiger is convinced he's not ready for full-on tournament action yet, but with his form this week, he could have fooled me. He's only missed one fairway from the 27 holes he's played so far this week (the first today), while there's no sign of a cart to transport him and the limp that so dogged him in 2023 is nowhere to be found.
He's just found yet another fairway on the par-4 ninth as he and Charlie continue to look good value for their maiden PNC Championship win.
There's plenty of golf left in the day yet, of course, but Tiger's form is hugely encouraging, particularly as this is his first tournament since The Open back in the summer.
TEAM WOODS SETTING THE PACE
Tiger and Charlie were 80 yards from the hole on the par 4 11th, and it's Charlie who fared better to leave a makeable birdie opportunity after Tiger's second shot finished off the green.
They're 22-under for the tournament so far and the record, set by the Dalys in 2021, stands at 27-under. Could we be a couple of hours away from the lowest score ever recorded at the PNC Championship?
Make that 23-under for the tournament. Charlie has just made a birdie to ensure they retain a one-shot lead over Team Singh.
NOTHING BETWEEN THE LEADERS
We have a short par-4 at the 13th, and Charlie has left his tee shot just in front of a greenside bunker, while Tiger is on the fairway. The ever-consistent Langers have also made no mistake as the two teams make their walk down the fairway with nothing to separate them at 23-under.
WE'RE HEADING TO A PLAYOFF!
Team Woods are well to the right of the green and Charlie's first up. What a beauty! It's left him a couple of feet from the hole. "Beautiful shot," says his father, as he leaves a birdie opportunity. Can Tiger better it? No, but they'll be happy with that.
Now the Langers have two eagle attempts to win the tournament. It's makeable, too...
Jason is first to have a go. He's got his putter out - and it's been his friend for most of the day. It's a good effort, but it's just left.
Here comes Bernhard... it's another good one but won't break left!
Charlie makes birdie, as does Team Langer and we're heading for a playoff.
WELCOME TO THE PNC CHAMPIONSHIP
Hello all and welcome to Golf Monthly's coverage of the PNC Championship, which is taking place at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando in Florida.
As mentioned, 20 family pairs are present and, with the action getting underway with Team Trevino and Team Price at 9am (EST) local time, the likes of Team Sorenstam headed out at 10.05am, Team Korda at 10.31am and the main attraction of Tiger and Charlie Woods got started at 10.44am.
As Team Trevino and Team Price get their first tee shots away, let's take a look at how the format and, indeed, the qualifying process works for the PNC Championship.
Made up of 20 pairings, you can only qualify for this tournament if you are a Major winner, or have secured a Players Championship. Along with the qualifying, the format for the tournament is two rounds of scramble, whereby both players tee off and, from there, you pick the best drive. Following on, both players play from that position, with this process continued until the ball is in the hole. Consequently, we can expect some low scoring this weekend.
PARS AT THE FIRST
Lee Trevino is the only player in history to have featured in every single PNC Championship, making his debut back in 1995. He's playing alongside his son, Daniel, with the pair making a par at the opening hole.
For the first round, Team Trevino are playing alongside three-time Major winner Nick Price and his son, Greg, who also make a par at the first, with Team O'Meara and Team Player now ready to get their tournaments underway with their opening tee shots.
WE ARE UNDERWAY
Golf legends Lee Trevino and Nick Price leading the way to open PNC Championship weekend. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/OZuBcax6VyDecember 21, 2024
Team Trevino and Team Price have parred the first and now the second, with both pairs safely navigating the par 4. Behind the duo, Team Player have made bogey at the opening hole, whilst Team O'Meara safely par it.
One point to make is that, currently, conditions are rather chilly in Florida, with the temperatures sitting around 11°c/51°f. Looking at the forecast, it's only likely to hit 16°c/60°f today, with it being slightly warmer tomorrow, on Sunday.
FIRST BIRDIES OF THE DAY
It's now Team Faldo and Team Immelman to tee off at the opening hole and it's good news, with Trevor Immelman and his son, Jacob, finding the first birdie of the 2024 PNC Championship!
Shortly after the father-son duo's birdie, both Team Trevino and Team Price find birdies at the par 5 third, with the trio sharing the early lead at one-under. I expect this will be the first of many we see today.
BIRDIES EVERYWHERE
I said it would be the first of many birdies we see and, following Team Immelman, Team Price and Team Trevino's birdies, we have just seen Team Player and Team O'Meara find gains at the second hole.
It's a good start from both, as Team Player gets back to level-par for the day, whilst Team O'Meara get to one-under and into a four-way share of the lead at one-under.
TEAM KUCHAR AND TEAM LEHMAN BEGIN WITH BIRDIES
Matt Kuchar has a great record in this tournament and, for 2024, he is paired alongside his son, Carson. Opening their PNC Championship campaign, the duo have birdied the first, as have their playing partners Team Lehman, who are made up of former Open winner Tom and his son, Sean.
TWO OF THE BEST SWINGS IN THE GAME
Freddie and Nelly 🤩 Two of the purest swings in the game. pic.twitter.com/hIHqvYJW0xDecember 21, 2024
THREE TIED AT TWO-UNDER
As expected, birdies are flying round here in Orlando, with Team Immelman, Team Kuchar and Team Lehman all birdieing their first two holes to get to two-under-par for the tournament.
NOW ON THE TEE
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Now on the tee, 10-time Major winner Annika Sorenstam! The Swede became the first female pro to play in this tournament back in 2019 and returns alongside her son, Will McGee, who is an excellent player and one to watch this weekend.
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS
This is some start from Team Trevino, who now move into a share of the lead with Team Immelman and Team Kuchar at three-under-par.
In the 2023 edition of the event, 85-year-old Lee and his son, Daniel, finished second last but, for 2024, they have made a great start here in Florida.
TEAM WOODS IN THE BUILDING
Charlie and Tiger Woods dialing in their putters for PNC Championship Saturday. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/JLIWRvysHxDecember 21, 2024
Tiger and Charlie are on-site, with both heading straight to the putting green to get dialled in. They tee off in just over 10 minutes and it seems that Tiger will have daughter, Sam, on the bag like last year.
TEAM TREVINO MOVE TO FOUR-UNDER
Lee and Daniel Trevino lead the PNC Championship! The father-son duo have just made a third straight birdie at the par 4 seventh to get to four-under-par, one shot clear of a big logjam at three-under.
Back on the first tee, Nelly and Petr Korda have got their rounds underway, with the father-daughter pair one of the favorites coming into the week.
TEAM KORDA BIRDIES THE FIRST
It's a perfect start for Nelly and Petr, who find a birdie at the opening hole. Elsewhere, Team Trevino remain one shot clear of a three-way tie of second, which includes Team Immelman, Team Kuchar and Team Harrington.
Now back on the first tee, your 10.44am tee time - Tiger and Charlie Woods!
TIGER FINDS THE FAIRWAY AT THE FIRST
Welcome back Tiger! The 15-time Major winner is making his first competitive start since The Open back in July and, at the first, he bombs it down the fairway and treats us to a club twirl. It's a good thing he did, especially as Charlie pulled his tee shot left and into the bushes.
BIRDIE AT THE FIRST FOR TEAM WOODS
It's a perfect start for Tiger and Charlie, who find a birdie at the first to move to one-under-par and three back of the lead, which is still held by Team Trevino.
Tiger appears to be walking the course today, which is an excellent sign, especially when he does have the option to use the cart. Importantly, he seems to be moving and swinging well in the early stages.
FAIRWAY AT THE SECOND FOR TEAM WOODS
Teeing off first, Tiger just pushes his tee shot at the second hole, with the ball finishing just to the right of the fairway. In terms of Charlie, he puts his tee shot on the left side of the fairway and that's now two for two.
Away from Team Woods, Team O'Meara has joined Team Trevino at the top of the leaderboard, as Mike and Shaun move to four-under, following a birdie at the par 4 seventh.
BIRDIE CHANCE AT THE SECOND
Charlie is the first player to hit into the second, following a 317-yard drive, with the 15-year-old finding the green, albeit well away from the hole. Stepping up next is Tiger, who fires one down the flag and stops it around 20-feet away for a good birdie chance.
Up ahead, Team Immelman makes a fourth birdie of the day to get to four-under through six and into a share of the lead. There have also been great starts from Team Faldo (-3) and Team Sorenstam (-3)
BIRDIE FOR TEAM WOODS
Charlie holed a great putt at the first and, at the second, he rolls in another excellent mid-range putt for birdie! Perfect start from both, who are two-under through two, and just a couple back off the lead.
FAIRWAY FOUND AT THE THIRD
Tiger leads off the pair again at the par 5 third, with the 15-time Major winner finding the fairway with a power cut. That opens the door for Charlie to open the shoulders but, like the first, he pulls it left and into the bushes.
Up ahead, Team Korda continue their great start with a birdie at the third. They move to two-under and into a share of 11th, whilst we now have a five-way tie for the lead at the top, with Team Harrington and Team Lehman joining proceedings.
TEAM SINGH START WELL
Vijay and Qass Singh won this event in 2022 and have made a great start via a birdie at the first and second. They are two-under-par thanks to some great approach play.
Back to Team Woods, who sit in the fairway on the par 5 third. Charlie is first to hit into the green and, from 215-yards, he blocks his iron approach right, but only just misses the green. In terms of Tiger, he goes the other way and finds the greenside bunker left. Imagine they will go with Charlie's second here.
THE 20 PAIRS
It’s a family affair @PNCChampionship 🏌️♂️🏌️♀️ pic.twitter.com/PGNW5WX1jCDecember 21, 2024
NINE TIED AT THE TOP
The leaderboard is stacked here at the PNC Championship, with nine pairs stuck at four-under-par. I would like to think someone will make a charge, especially as Team Woods have just made a third straight birdie to get to three-under-par through three!
TEAM LEHMAN LEAD
Just as I say that, Sean Lehman, son of Tom, holes a nice birdie putt at the par 4 seventh to get to five-under-par. They lead but only momentarily, as Team O'Meara birdie the par ninth to turn in 31 and in a share of the lead.
SAND TROUBLE FOR TEAM WOODS
The par 3 fourth has been playing tough today and, striking their tee shots, both Tiger and Charlie misjudge the wind and find the greenside bunker. It's unclear how bad their golf balls are sat in the sand, but they will have two options to pick from.
In the chasing pack, Team Daly, who won this tournament back in 2021, have started very well and sit four-under through five. They are in a six-way tie in a share of third.
TEAM SORENSTAM MOVE INTO SHARE OF THE LEAD
Annika and Will McGee make a fifth straight birdie to share the lead at five-under-par. They are in a four-way tie for first alongside Team O'Meara, Team Lehman and Team Stricker.
Behind the leading group is a four-way tie for fifth, whilst a par for Team Woods at the par 3 fourth keeps them in a five-way tie for 10th. Very tight leaderboard here in Flordia.
TEAM O'MEARA MOVE AHEAD
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Back-to-back birdies for Team O'Meara makes them the first pair to get to six-under-par and into the solo lead. They are one shot clear of a three-way tie in second.
ALL ACTION HERE AT THE PNC CHAMPIONSHIP
Being a scramble, this leaderboard will continue to change and, at the top of the leaderboard, there's a four-way tie with Team O'Meara, Team Lehman, Team Annika and Team Stricker at six-under.
In regards to Team Woods, they have just birdied the par 5 fifth to get to four-under-par, just two back of the leaders. Along with Team Woods, Team Korda have continued their great start as Nelly rolls in a birdie at the par 4 sixth to get to five-under
7 STRAIGHT BIRDIES FOR TEAM ANNIKA
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Scramble format is all about momentum and, for Sorenstam and McGee, they have just made a seventh straight birdie to move into a share of the lead at seven-under-par. They are currently top alongside Team O'Meara.
TEAM WOODS MISS BIRDIE CHANCE
Two strong shots on the sixth gives Team Woods a great chance at birdie but, after Charlie narrowly misses his putt on the left-side, Tiger lips out also. They stay at four-under, three back of Team O'Meara and Team Annika.
Amongst those making a move, defending champions Bernhard and Jason Langer have birdied three of the first five holes to get to three-under, whilst Team Singh are four-under through five.
TEAM O'MEARA GET TO EIGHT-UNDER
The father-son duo pull ahead for a third time today, with Mark and Shaun birdieing the par 4 13th. That's their fourth birdie in five and puts them ahead by one stroke.
Behind, both Justin Leonard and Tiger play beautiful approach shots into the par 4 seventh and will all but wrap up birdies. Team Leonard will move to three-under, whilst Team Woods will get to five-under.
TEAM LEHMAN JOINS THE LEADERS
Well, Team O'Meara led for around a minute before Team Lehman join them again. Playing the par 4 11th, they put it close and hole the birdie putt for a third consecutive gain. They're now eight-under and flying after an early bogey.
WOODS PLAYS A BEAUTY
OH, THAT IS NICE. 🐯Tiger Woods with a beautiful approach.📺 : Peacock pic.twitter.com/TvdXP1S0XgDecember 21, 2024
TEAM LEHMAN AND O'MEARA MOVE TO NINE-UNDER
Team Lehman's impressive run continues, with Tom holing a lovely birdie putt at the par 3 12th. That's four in a row for the father-son pair, who are nine-under-par and in a share of the lead with Team O'Meara, who have just birdied the 13th.
Moving back to Team Woods, who are playing the par 3 eighth. Tiger plays a nice approach into the hole and, following Charlie's attempt, Tiger comes within inches for the birdie. They tap-in and remain at five-under, four back of Team Lehman
TEAM KORDA TURNS IN SIX-UNDER
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It's been an excellent start for Nelly and Petr Korda, who make the turn in six-under-par and sit three back. Behind the pair, Tiger finds trouble off the tee left but, with the pressure on Charlie, he pounds a drive straight up the fairway and in A1 position. Big shot from the 15-year-old then.
TEAM HARRINGTON ON A CHARGE
Team Harrington have been quietly making a charge and, at the par 3 12th, they make a sixth straight birdie. They now share the lead at nine-under-par, alongside Team O'Meara and Team Lehman.
Elsewhere, Steve and Izzi Stricker make birdie at the par 4 11th, with Steve holing yet another putt. In their group, Annika and Will just miss their birdie attempt and stay at eight-under, one back off the lead.
TEAM O'MEARA LEAD AGAIN
Once again, Team O'Meara take the outright lead via a birdie, this time at the par 4 15th. That's their 10th of the day and third in a row. They now lead Team Lehman and Team Harrington by one.
TEAM WOODS BIRDIE THE NINTH
After Tiger's drive, Charlie puts his approach to 15-feet and, once again, the 15-year-old holes a lovely mid-range putt for birdie. That's six birdies on the front nine, with the father-son duo turning in 30. They're now four back of the leaders.
FAIRWAY FINDER AT 10 FOR WOODS
That six-under front nine of 30 from Team Woods is the second best of the day and, at the 10th, both Tiger and Charlie bomb drives down the centre of the fairway. They will have a good look into the green coming up.
Ahead, Team Lehman just miss a birdie putt to join Team O'Meara at the top of the leaderboard, whilst Team Annika safely par the 12th to remain at eight-under, two off the lead.
CHARLIE'S BIRDIE PUTT AT NINE
Come for the putt, stay for Tiger and Charlie Woods perfectly in sync.📺 : Peacock | PNC Championship pic.twitter.com/L85CrfL3dODecember 21, 2024
TEAM O'MEARA MOVE TWO AHEAD
Team O'Meara finally have some breathing room at the PNC Championship. Following a classy approach at the par 4 16th, Mark converts for an 11th birdie of the day and to move two shots clear of Team Lehman and Team Harrington. Excellent blemish free round here from Mark and Shaun!
TEAM HARRINGTON GET TO 10-UNDER
That two shot advantage for Team O'Meara doesn't last long, as the father-son pair of Padraig and Paddy Harrington make a seventh straight birdie to get to 10-under-par and one back.
Behind the pair, defending champions Team Langer turn in six-under-par, with the father-son duo of Bernhard and Jason producing six birdies on the front nine.
TEAM WOODS BIRDIE THE 10TH
After a huge drive from Charlie, Tiger plays a delicate pitch shot to around eight-feet, with Charlie then converting the putt for birdie. An excellent all-round hole there, with the pair now seven-under and four back.
Along with Team Woods, Team Daly have birdied the last two holes to get to six-under, whilst Team Lehman produce an eagle three at the par 5 14th to join Team O'Meara at the top of the leaderboard at 11-under.
TEAM TREVINO FIRE A 64
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Excellent round from Lee Trevino and his son, Daniel, who card an eight-under-par 64 to get into the clubhouse. What a day for the 85-year-old and his son!
TEAM LEHMAN MOVE AHEAD
An excellent eagle-birdie run has put Tom and Sean Lehman at the top of the leaderboard. The duo sit 12-under through 15 and one ahead of Team O'Meara, who have a mid-range birdie putt at the 18th coming up to pull level again.
TEAM O'MEARA FINISH AT 11-UNDER
The birdie putt just slides by at the 18th for Team O'Meara, with a closing par giving them an 11-under-par round of 61 and, currently, a spot in second spot. Excellent round from the father-son pair, who will be in contention going into Sunday.
WILL McGEE IS HOLING PUTTS FROM EVERYWHERE
After Annika misses her birdie attempt at the par 4 14th, Will steps up and rolls in his putt to move to 10-under. I've lost count how many putts the 13-year-old has holed today, but let's say it's rather a lot!
Behind the pair, defending champions Bernhard and Jason Langer have found another birdie, with the duo now eight-under through 11 and four back of Team Lehman.
BIRDIE FOR TEAM WOODS AT THE 12TH
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Once again, it's Charlie who holes the putt as another mid-range effort drops in the centre of the cup. Like Will McGee, I can't count how many feet of putts the 15-year-old has holed but, once again, let's say it's a lot!
WHAT A SHOT FROM CHARLIE WOODS
After putting his tee shot into the greenside bunker at the par 4 13th, Charlie then plays a stunning shot to mere inches. Tiger steps up and plays a decent approach himself, but the shot from Charlie guarantees the birdie and they will move to nine-under-par.
Currently, Team Lehman lead at 13-under-par and are two clear of Team O'Meara, who are in the clubhouse, and Team Harrington, who are currently playing the 16th hole.
SHOT OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP FROM NELLY KORDA
Wow! After Charlie's bunker magic Nelly Korda steps up and puts a fairway wood, from over 230-yards and the bunker, to just a few feet! That is astonishing from the World No.1 who, alongside Petr, will likely move to eight-under with an eagle.
TIGER RECOVERS WELL FOR TEAM WOODS
A bit of a setback for the otherwise impressive Team Woods here, as Charlie has found a greenside bunker with his approach on the 14th. Let's see how Tiger gets on with his effort...
That's more like it. He's nicely on the green. The pair remain T5 at nine-under, for now.
BIRDIE CHANCE MISSED FOR TEAM ANNIKA
The youngest player in the field is 13-year-old Will McGee. You wouldn't think so though with his putting prowess this week. However, even though he's been holing them from all over the place, he doesn't quite manage it at the 16th as Team Annika's birdie chance goes begging. They're still fourth though, only three behind Team Lehman at the top.
TEAM WOODS ON THE CHARGE!
A quality effort from Charlie Woods on the 14th green for eagle drifts narrowly right from distance. Can Tiger make it instead? It's close - so very close - but that misses right by an even narrower margin.
They've just made their third birdie in succession though and are on a charge at 10-under, just three off the lead!
TEAM KORDA IN THE MIX
Team Korda are on a roll, too. This time, it's former tennis champion Petr who has turned on the style with a long birdie putt on the 15th as he and daughter Nelly move to nine-under.
TEAM KUCHAR KEEP UP THE PRESSURE
A lovely birdie putt from Carson from the edge of the green has just moved Team Kuchar to 10-under as he and Matt complete a round of 62. Things are getting tight at the top of the leaderboard with three teams now T4 behind two in T2 and Team Lehman with a two-shot lead.
SETBACK FOR THE LEADERS
Both Lehmans have missed relatively straightforward putts for par in a stiff breeze as they finish with a bogey. That brings them back to 12-under, just one ahead of Team Harrington and Team O'Meara. That brings Team Woods, among others, to within just two of the lead.
WATCH NELLY KORDA'S BRILLIANCE FROM A BUNKER
Here's a look at that incredible effort from a bunker from Nelly Korda earlier on. She's World No.1 for a reason...
The shot of the day!Ridiculous stuff from @NellyKorda 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Bl4LofjlbjDecember 21, 2024
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS KEEP UP THE FIGHT
The defending champions, Team Langer, can't be discounted either. An eagle at the 14th has just brought them to one off the lead. There are now eight teams within two shots of the lead!
TEAM HARRINGTON JOIN TEAM LEHMAN AS JOINT LEADERS!
We have joint leaders after Team Harrington completed a brilliant round of 60 with a birdie to move them level with Team Lehman, who just beforehand completed their best-ever PNC Championship round with a bogey. The two teams are on 12-under...
Around the same time, the Woods completed their fourth birdie in a row to move to within one of the lead at 11-under.
TEAM WOODS CONTINUE TO FLY!
A brilliantly judged approach from Charlie Woods on the 16th lands within a foot of the flag before the backspin took it away somewhat. Tiger's attempt is almost as good and the upshot of it is that they now have a near-certain birdie, which would move them into a three-way lead at the top!
TEAM WOODS AMONG FOUR AT THE TOP!
Make that a four-way lead. Team Langer has just holed another birdie putt to move level with the Lehmans and Harringtons, and, as predicted, they are now joined by Tiger and Charlie!
TEAM WOODS SAFELY ON AT 17
There was a moment of uncertainty at the par 3 17th, especially when Charlie found the water to the left. However, Tiger slots his iron approach to the heart of the green and the father-son pair will have a birdie putt coming up.
Behind this group is Team Langer and Team Singh, with Langer 12-under and Singh 11-under. The duo have gone slightly unnoticed with Team Woods in front, but they are firmly in contention here.
DUVAL'S EAGLE THE LAST
David and Brady Duval eagle the final hole to shoot nine-under-par, whilst their playing partners John Daly and John Daly II also shoot a nine-under 63 to currently sit three back going into Sunday.
It's a tight leaderboard here in Florida and, at the par 4 16th, Vijay Singh holes a birdie putt to move him and Qass into a five-way share of the lead at 12-under. Thrilling stuff here at the PNC Championship.
HUGE DRIVES FROM TIGER AND CHARLIE
The 18th is a great chance for a birdie and, after finding the fairway with his tee shot, Tiger allows Charlie to open his shoulders which the 15-year-old does. He bombs his drive down and the pair will have nothing more than a long iron in.
Behind the father-son duo, Vijay Singh finds the green, albeit a distance away, whilst Bernhard Langer fires a laser-like long iron at the flag which rests 20-feet from the hole. Another possible birdie inbound?
TEAM KORDA FIRE A 63
After a six-under front nine of 30, it seemed that Team Korda would be well up the leaderboard. However, Nelly and Petr have somewhat fizzled out on the back nine, as a three-under 33 gives them a nine-under 63.
They will start around four back going into Sunday, with their playing partners, Freddie Couples and stepson Hunter, firing an eight-under 64 to sit well back going into the final day.
TIGER FINDS THE GREEN AT 18
Following a huge drive from Charlie, Tiger fires an iron to pin-high of the flag. They will have around 25-feet for an eagle and the clubhouse lead, with Team Woods sat in that five-way share of top spot right now.
In the group, Justin Leonard produces a stunning fairway wood approach that just clears the greenside bunker and rolls to around 15-feet. They're currently solo 18th, but have birdied the last two holes so it would be a respectable finish for the father-son pairing.
What a round from Tiger and Charlie, who fire 13 birdies to claim a one shot lead at the PNC Championship!
SHORT GAME MASTERCLASS
Both Team Langer and Team Singh find the 18th green in two, but the pairs have some work to do to get up-and-down. However, Vijay sticks a long putt to within inches, whilst Bernhard puts his chip to tap-in range.
The pairs get up-and-down for birdie and get to 13-under-par alongside Team Woods. Going into Sunday, we will have a three-way tie for the lead, with 14 pairs within five shots. Exciting finish in-store on Sunday!
CAN TEAM WOODS CLAIM A FIRST PNC CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Team Woods, Team Langer and Team Singh share the lead going into the final round and, with 18 holes remaining, it's all too play for in Florida.
Can Team Woods claim a first PNC Championship? Can Bernhard Langer secure an historic sixth title in this tournament? Or will Team Singh scoop a second trophy in three years? Tomorrow is set to be an epic so tune in for all the action!
CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY
The second and final round of the 2024 PNC Championship has begun, with Team Player and Team Price leading the 20 groups of two off at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando.
Teams Faldo, Leonard, Immelman, and Couples have also not long ventured onto the first tee box as they enjoy a round of golf with their families - largely free from the stress and anxiety of trying to close out a win.
That emotion is likely to be felt far more strongly by Team Woods, Langer, and Singh - however - with the leading trio not due to start for another couple of hours. Tiger Woods and his son Charlie, plus five-time champion Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, will tee off at 11:07am ET (4:07pm GMT).
TALENTED TEENAGERS
Charlie Woods is attracting a lot of interest at this event - and justifiably so given his position alongside dad Tiger at the top - but don't forget, there are a couple of other special teenage talents at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club this week.
One of whom is Will McGee - the 13-year-old son of Annika Sorenstam and her husband, Mike. Will made his debut last season and played pretty nicely, too, and the little left-hander has kept up that form. Catch high first-round highlights below.
He begins Sunday alongside his mom on -10 after a 62 in round one...
Will McGee is a birdie machine!The 13-year-old’s best highlights from Round 1 @PNCChampionship. pic.twitter.com/MRMWkamREaDecember 22, 2024
SUNDAY RED
The co-leaders are in the house, wearing Tiger's Sun Day Red gear, too. How good is it to see Tiger wearing red and in contention? Admittedly, it's "only" the PNC Championship, but it's still cool nonetheless...
No one does golf quite like John Daly... Catch some of Wild Thing's best bits from just before he and John Daly II went out and shot 63 on Saturday. Special stuff.
From the parking lot to the 1st tee with @PGA_JohnDaly 😎 pic.twitter.com/rjsG6Lr5JNDecember 22, 2024
EARLY BIRDIES
The scoring has begun at lightning-fast pace in Orlando, with all but two squads having dipped below even par already. Team Player are currently on the lowest total of the day at four-under, although they have played the most holes.
Elsewhere, Team Couples are at three-under after just four holes and Team Price are on the same total through six. Birdies galore!
TEAM WOODS GET UNDERWAY!
Tiger and Charlie are underway in the final round. The pair combined brilliantly yesterday to storm up the leaderboard over the back nine. They finished with a 59 to join four other teams at the top of the leaderboard.
That all means that if Team Woods remains there, it will be Tiger's first trophy since the 2019 Zozo Championship.
EARLY MOMENTUM FOR TEAM SINGH
While much of the attention will be on Team Woods, the winners of the PNC Championship in 2022, Vijay and Qass Singh, have made a flying start. They began the day one of five teams at the top of the leaderboard, but they've just birdied the first hole to open up a one-shot lead.
STRONG START FOR TEAM WOODS
A flurry of activity at the top of the leaderboard now sees Team Annika, Team Singh, Team Langer, Team Harrington and Team Woods at the top on 14-under.
Tiger and Charlie have just birdied their first of the day to keep pace at the top. It took a beautifully judged putt from Tiger from some distance to clinch it, too.
Even more remarkably, Team Woods completed the birdie after both went left from their tee shots. Tiger found himself here!
A birdie on No. 1 to get the day started for Team Woods. https://t.co/mlhcEi9MLi pic.twitter.com/XA7n43DYYZDecember 22, 2024
OUTRIGHT LEAD FOR TEAM WOODS AFTER TWO!
Two holes down, two birdies for Team Woods. This time, Charlie completed the birdie putt to give the pair the outright lead at 15-under. Tiger's far from the only great in with a chance of winning this week though. Just one shot behind him is Bernhard Langer, Padraig Harrington, Annika Sorenstam and Vijay Singh and their respective family members.
TEAM KORDA ON THE MOVE
Nelly Korda and her dad, Petr, are joining the party. After pars on the first two holes, they've birdied the next five to move to just one behind Team Woods at 14-under. They share that position with five others!
TEAM LEHMAN BACK IN CONTENTION
A beautiful long eagle putt from Sean Lehman has now brought him and dad, former World No.1 Tom to within one of the leaders too. There are now six teams on 14-under in T2!
TEAM SINGH ON SONG
The jostling at the top continues. Now, it's Team Singh to make an impression. Vijay and son Qass have just moved to 15-under and level with Team Woods after their second birdie of the day at the third.
OUTRIGHT LEAD FOR TEAM SINGH
Team Duval held the joint lead with the Singhs and the Woods after a birdie, but within seconds that was snuffed out as the Singhs then took the outright lead with their third birdie of the day at the fourth.
They were nearly joined there by Tiger and Charlie on the par-5 third, but both their birdie putts missed to drop the pair down to a tie for second with the Duvals, Team Harrington, Team Langer, Team Korda and Team Annika.
ACE FOR CHARLIE WOODS!
Tiger's just rolled off the back of the green on the par 3 fourth to leave a difficult birdie chance. Undettered, using a 7-iron on the 174-yard hole, Charlie has just shown his dad how to do it with an ace. Wow!
That's the first of his career and it means the pair now have the solo lead at 17-under! What a moment for the youngster and his proud dad!
CHARLIE WOODS ACE ALERT! 🚨HIS FIRST HOLE-IN-ONE. UNREAL.📺: Peacock and Golf Channel | PNC Championship pic.twitter.com/YObfZZbvG3December 22, 2024
THREE AT THE TOP AFTER BIRDIE FOR TEAM WOODS
We came desperately close to Tiger following Charlie a moment ago. No, he didn't nearly get a hole-in-one, but he had a very makeable eagle chance on the fifth. Alas, his effort went just left of the hole, leaving the pair to settle for a birdie. They've now joined Team Singh and Team Langer at the top of the leaderboard.
SECOND ACE OF THE DAY!
Just when we thought we'd seen it all with Charlie Woods' ace, Padraig Harrington's son Paddy has followed suit. It came on the par-3 eighth to move the pair joint top of the leaderboard with the Team Woods, Team Singh and Team Langer!
Before today, for all its low scoring, aces were few and far between at the PNC Championship. Now we've had two within about half an hour!
In both instances, they're made extra special as they came with Charlie and Paddy playing alongside their dads. Memories for a lifetime for both the Woods and Harrington families.
The second ace of the day! 🤯 Paddy Harrington makes a hole-in-one!! pic.twitter.com/bFXq8gRNXADecember 22, 2024
TEAM LANGER AND TEAM WOODS AT THE TOP!
While Charlie Woods and Paddy Harrington have brought the magic with aces, one of the game's legends, Bernhard Langer has been his trademark model of consistency. He just holed a birdie putt at the sixth to give Team Langer (which includes son Jason) the outright lead and 19-under with Tiger and Charlie looking on.
It was a short-lived advantage, though, as Tiger - no doubt fired up with the chance of victory in his sights - made no mistake with his own birdie putt to draw him and Charlie level.
CHARLIE IN CONTROL
It says something about Charlie's temperament that he's been able to put his moment of euphoria with the maiden ace of his career to one side and concentrate on the job at hand.
Since then, Team Woods has remained firmly in contention, and that's been in no small part to the teenager. One the seventh, he's just placed an effort from 65 yards or so to within a foot of the hole to leave yet another birdie chance for the duo, which has been taken to move them into the outright lead on 20-under.
Soon after, Vijay Singh moved his team to 19-under with a birdie while Jason Langer made a birdie putt to draw him and Bernhard level with Team Woods.
TEAM KORDA IN CONTENTION
Nelly Korda has just made a birdie at the 14th to draw her and father Petr within one of the lead. They're running out of holes, but that was the pair's 10th birdie of the day! Definitely a team to watch in the next hour or so.
TEAM WOODS TAKE CONTROL AT THE TURN
Charlie Woods has just placed his birdie putt on the ninth left of the hole, so it's up to dad to have another go for the solo lead for Team Woods...
It's good. Very, very good, and -20 becomes -21 for the pair as they reach the turn. Team Langer are their closest contender and are one behind after Bernhard leaves his birdie putt just short.
PLAYER ROLLS BACK THE YEARS
It's safe to say this year's PNC Championship has had just about everything. We've had two aces today alone, when the event had previously only seen one in its 27 years. We've also had a stacked leaderboard as some of the game's most brilliant players of any era trade places at the top. And now we've had 89-year-old Gary Player finishing with an eagle on the 18th! What a tournament.
Gary Player for eagle!The 89-year-old goes out with a bang on No. 18 🔥 pic.twitter.com/j8om5RUOM9December 22, 2024
PRIZE MONEY TO PLAY FOR
With magic moments aplenty as well as the general feelgood factor the PNC Championship delivers, it can be easy to forget that there is prize money at stake this week. Overall there's a purse of $1,085m, with the winning team set for a $200,000 payday. You can read more about the payout here.
TEAMS LANGER AND SINGH FIGHTING HARD!
The Langers are looking for their fourth PNC Championship and they're fighting hard for it. Jason just had a birdie chance to draw level with Tiger and Charlie Woods at the top of the leaderboard, but it missed left. Then Bernhard made no mistake, and now they do tie the lead! They're joined by another team of former champions, 2022 winner Vijay and Qass Singh.
That was short-lived, though, as Charlie then knocked in his own birdie putt to swiftly re-establish the Woods' one-shot advantage.
TEAM HARRINGTON IN CONTENTION
Team Harrington is now just one shot behind leader Team Woods after Paddy, who made an ace earlier in the round, rolled in a birdie putt at the 14th. They're level with Team Langer and Team Singh, with Team Duval just two behind on 21-under.
A RARE PAR FOR TEAM WOODS
On the 12th, Team Woods face a long birdie putt to move further ahead. Charlie is the first to go but his effort comes up well short. Tiger needs to produce some magic with his effort. It's better, but it lacks just a little direction as it heads right. They'll settle for par - just their second of the day.
That rare miss from Team Woods left the opportunity for the defending champions the Langers to draw level, also at the 12th. Jason made no mistake and we have a tie for the lead again!
HOLE OUT FROM CARSON KUCHAR
Of course there was more drama to come. At the 16th, Carson Kuchar has just holed out for eagle. At 17-under, they're not in contention for the title, but Carson and Matt will have a great memory to take away from the tournament.
Eagle from long range 😲 Cameron Kuchar holes it for eagle on No. 16! pic.twitter.com/7sjAEM7ugmDecember 22, 2024
TIGHT AT THE TOP
This seems to be going to the wire. The Langers just briefly took the outright lead with a typically assured long birdie putt from Bernhard, but then Charlie Woods responded by coming up clutch with his own superbly weighted birdie putt to place both teams on 24-under. They have five holes to play!
ADVANTAGE TEAM WOODS?
From 260 yards on the 14th, Charlie Woods has found a bunker to the right of the green with the second shot, but Tiger didn't make the same mistake using a driver! His effort sails over the sand and lands to the right of the hole to leave an eagle opportunity for the pair.
Could this be the hole where there's a decisive moment in the destination of the title? The Langers have hit a little trouble after finding a bunker from the tee shot. Bernhard has found a greenside bunker with his second, Jason is way back on the fairway. Either way, Team Woods has the advantage.
You don't see Tiger Woods hit driver off the deck often. 👀 BUT HE PUTS IT HOLE HIGH! 😳 pic.twitter.com/yFjoyFh7dlDecember 22, 2024
GOOD RECOVERY FROM TEAM LANGER
Charlie's first with the long eagle attempt at the 13th. It breaks left but it's too short. It's fine, though, as it gives Tiger an idea of what to do with his effort. It looks amazing for a good while, but ultimately goes left of the hole to leave a birdie putt. Charlie finishes the birdie to move Team Woods 25-under.
Now the onus is on Team Langer to follow suit after all sorts of trouble off the tee. Jason goes first and gets there to see the two teams remain level at the top.
THE BIRDIES KEEP ON COMING FOR TEAMS LANGER AND WOODS
Jason Langer faces a long birdie putt at the 15th to keep the team in touch after some brilliant approach shots from Charlie and Tiger Woods.
It seemed the tournament may slip from Team Langer's grasp on the 14th before Jason came up with the goods by matching the Woods' birdie putt, and he did it again on the 15th. That's their sixth birdie in succession. The two teams have three holes to play, and they're at 26-under.
NOTHING BETWEEN THEM!
We're at the 16th and after Jason almost finds the water with his second shot, Bernhard got him out of trouble with a gorgeous approach shot to leave a certain birdie. Can the Woods respond? Well, yes! Charlie then almost repeats Bernhard's feat to leave a likely birdie for the joint leaders.
This will move both teams to 27-under for the tournament - that's the record set by John Daly and John Daly II three years ago. It looks like the record is going to fall today with two holes to play.
PRESSURE MOUNTING ON TEAM LANGER
While Team Langer has been generally assured, there have just been signs in the last couple of holes that they're having to find a little extra to stay in touch here. They hit trouble on the 15th before recovering well, while we needed a world-class approach from Bernhard to save the day at the 16th. Now, there's a third sign after Jason Langer finds the water on the par 3 17th. Bernhard helped him out with a better effort, but they're still off the green.
Now, Charlie is feeling the pressure! His tee shot misses the green by a distance, but Tiger comes up with a corker to leave yet another birdie look.
There should have been daylight at the top of the leaderboard after the Langers failed to make a devilishly difficult birdie chance from off the green at the par-3 17th.
That left Team Woods two birdie opportunities from within 15 feet after a glorious tee shot from Tiger, and Charlie was the first to go. He steadied himself and his putt was nice but went just to the right. Once again, Charlie's job gave Tiger the read he needed, but his putt misses left!
The Langers still needed to make par, and Bernhard managed it to head to the final hole level on 27-under.
ONE HOLE TO PLAY!
Team Singh have just finished with a par to finish level with Team Harrington and Team Duval on 23-under. Four shots ahead we have Team Langer and Team Woods about to tee it up on the 18th.
CHARLIE WOODS AND BERNHARD LANGER COME GOOD OFF THE TEE
After Tiger finds a bunker from his tee shot, Jason Langer fares even worse with his, going way to the right. Charlie is up next and finds the fairway with a beauty! What can Bernhard do? It's to the right, but it's fine.
LANGERS IN PRIME POSITION
Charlie has just found a bunker with his approach on the par-5 18th. Now it's Tiger's turn from 207 yards. He takes his time, and hits it high. His shot flirts with the bunker but finishes right of the green. It's OK, but it's not great.
Jason Langer is up next and, after a few wobbles in recent holes he has done beautifully, leaving it just on the edge of the green. Bernhard's looks nice too, but it's Jason's they'll be using.
WE'RE UNDERWAY IN THE PLAYOFF
For the second time in succession, Tiger has found a fairway bunker to the right as the playoff at the 18th begins, but Charlie is safe on the fairway. Next, Jason Langer finds a bunker too, while Bernhard finds the fairway. Still impossible to tell where this one will go.
BRILLIANT FROM TEAM WOODS
Stunning from Charlie Woods as he lands on the front of the green with his approach. How can Tiger respond? Well, quite spectacularly, as he finishes to the right edge of the green. Whichever ball they play here, they'll have a great eagle opportunity...
TEAM LANGER HIT BACK!
Anything Team Woods can do...
Jason Langer has just produced arguably a better effort than Team Woods could manage, leaving the ball nicely on the green to set up an eagle chance for the Langers. Let's see if Bernhard can do any better... he can't but it's still a nice effort. Jason's is closer though.
TEAM LANGER WINS THE PNC CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SIXTH TIME
Charlie is the first to go with this eagle chance. Can he put pressure on the Langers? The ball is at the edge of the green, and he hits it with some pace. The direction is almost perfect but it perhaps has too much on it and goes past.
Tiger, who has opted to wear his Sun Day Red sweater for the playoff as the sun threatens to set, is next up. Surely if there's a man for the big moment it's him? He knows immediately it isn't to be as it heads left.
Can the Langers clinch it instead? Jason goes first and narrowly misses right. Now it's Bernhard's chance. He's been given a look from his son... and he does it! Team Langer wins the PNC Championship!
