As the calendar year winds down, the golfing world turns its eyes to one of the most heartwarming and unique events on the PGA Tour schedule: the 2024 PNC Championship. Held at the picturesque Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, this tournament is not just about the competition; it’s a celebration of family, legacy, and the love of golf.
The Skinny:
- Tournament: PNC Championship
- Title Sponsor: PNC Financial Services
- PGA Tour Debut: 1995
- Owners: NBC Sports, IMG
- Dates: December 21-22, 2024
- Venue: Ritz-Carlton GC
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Format: Scramble (best shot)
- Purse: $1,085,000
- Winning Share: $200,000
- Trophy: Wille Park Belts
- TV Network: NBC, Golf Channel
- 2023 Champions:Â Bernhard & Jason Langer
The Format:
- How to Qualify: The PNC Championship is a 36-hole scramble event where major champions (or winners of THE PLAYERS Championship) team up with a family member.
- Beyond Golf: This format not only brings out exceptional golf but also showcases the bond between players and their loved ones, from parents to children. The event has a special charm, combining the skill of professional golf with the joy of family participation.
The History
Debuting in 1995 as the Office Depot Father & Son Challenge at The Windsor Club, the 20 two-player teams initially consisted of a tour pro who’d won a major championship or The Players Championship, alongside their son – hence the Father/Son Challenge title.
Over the years, the rules were relaxed, allowing touring pros to team up with pretty much any family member including parents, children and even grandchildren.
Fuzzy Zoeller was the first to tweak the gender policy when he teamed up with daughter Gretchen in 2005, while in 2013, Arnold Palmer became the first to team with a grandchild when he played with grandson Sam Saunders.
The tour pro, however, still must own a Major or Players championship title, while the guest team member cannot be a touring professional at the time of the tournament.
The event is played over two days (36 holes), using a scramble format, with the winner awarded the Willie Park Trophy, in recognition of the father and son British Open champions Willie Park Sr. and Willie Park Jr.
Raymond Floyd and son Raymond Floyd Jr. won the inaugural trophy (1995) in a six-shot blowout. The duo went on to win the next two editions as well. The Hall-of-Famer Floyd returned to the winner’s circle in 2000 and 2001 – this time with younger son Robert. Floyd owns the record for most tournament victories with five.
Bernhard Langer (5), Larry Nelson (3) and Davis Love III (2) are the only others to have won multiple times. Floyd, Langer and Nelson are the only three champions to have won playing alongside different children.
Lee Trevino, now 85, is the only player to have participated in all 25 editions. Floyd, Nelson and Hale Irwin each played the first 17.
After several years of primarily being an event comprised of senior circuit players and retired icons, the inclusion of superstars Tiger Woods (alongside son Charlie) and Justin Thomas (with father Mike) in 2020 sent fan interest in the year-end event through the roof.
The Thomas team, winners in 2020, became the first duo to claim victory with a father as the guest partner.
History: Recent Winners
- Bernhard Langer, Jason Langer (2023)
- Vijay Singh, Qass Singh (2022)
- John Daly, John Daly Jr. (2021)
- Justin Thomas, Mike Thomas (2020)
- Bernhard Langer, Jason Langer (2019)
- Davis Love III, Dru Love (2018)
- Angel Cabrera, Angel Cabrera Jr. (2017)
History: Venues
- The Windsor Club, Vero Beach, FL (1995–1998)
- Twin Eagles GC, Naples, FL (1999)
- The Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas (2000–2002)
- Champions Gate Resort, Orlando, FL (2003–2008)
- Not Contested (2009–2011)
- Ritz Carlton GC, Orlando, FL (2012-Present)
The Field:
- Golfing Royalty: This year’s field is a who’s who of golfing royalty, each bringing their unique stories and connections:
- Tiger Woods and Charlie Woods: The father-son duo that has captivated audiences with their chemistry and competitive spirit. After Tiger’s health challenges, their participation is always a highlight, with fans eager to see how much Charlie has grown in his game.
- Bernhard Langer and Jason Langer: Defending champions and record holders with five wins, the Langers are always a formidable team. Bernhard’s experience and Jason’s developing talent make them perennial favorites.
- Annika Sorenstam and Will McGee: Annika, one of the greatest female golfers of all time, teams up with her son Will, who is increasingly showing promise on the course.
- John Daly and John Daly II: Known for their fun-loving nature, the Dalys bring an element of unpredictability and joy, with a chance to rewrite the record books with their unique style.
- Lee Trevino and Daniel Trevino: Now 85, Trevino will continue his streak as the only golfer to play every iteration of the PNC Championship.
- Nelly Korda and Petr Korda: The LPGA superstar will once again be in the field alongside her father. Korda enters off an historic 2024 campaign on the LPGA Tour, winning seven times (including five in a row) and claiming Rolex Player of the Year honors.
- New Faces: Look out for fresh pairings like Fred Couples with his stepson Hunter Hannemann and Trevor Immelman with his son Jacob, both making their debut at the PNC, adding new narratives to the event.
Storylines to Watch:
- Tiger and Charlie’s Comeback: After Tiger’s latest back surgery, all eyes will be on how well he and Charlie can sync up. Their performance last year was promising, but will they be in top form this time around?
- The Next Generation: With several young family members showing potential, could we see a breakout performance from someone like Charlie Woods or Jacob Immelman?
- Legacy vs. New Blood: How will the established champions fare against newer teams, and can we see an upset with a first-time winner?
- Team Dynamics: The scramble format rewards teamwork, strategy, and communication. Which team will showcase the best chemistry this year?
Course Conditions:
- The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, with its well-manicured greens and strategic layout, offers a fair but challenging test. Known for its ability to host high-caliber play, the course’s condition is expected to be impeccable, providing an ideal stage for this family-friendly event.
What’s at Stake:
- While the PNC Championship doesn’t offer world ranking points, the allure lies in the Willie Park Trophy and the bragging rights that come with it. For many players, it’s about sharing the game with their families, creating memories, and perhaps passing on the love for golf to the next generation. The purse, while substantial, is almost secondary to the experience and the joy of the event.
How to Watch:
- Golf fans can look forward to extensive coverage on NBC and the Golf Channel, with streaming options available on Peacock. The broadcast promises not just the action on the course but insights into the personal stories of each team, making for a compelling watch.
As we approach the 2024 PNC Championship, the event promises to be a blend of competition, emotion, and celebration. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or someone who enjoys the sport’s stories, this tournament captures the essence of what golf is all about – family, tradition, and the joy of the game.
