ORLANDO, Fla. — Tiger Woods and his 13-year-old son, Charlie, weren’t going to let a sore foot and hip ankle stop them from playing together in the PNC Championship. The way they played on Saturday, they might even be able to win.
The partnership, which Woods called “Team Ice Bath” due to injuries, ended 13-under-59 in a scrambled format, two shots behind Justin Thomas and his father, club pro Mike Thomas.
Team Thomas won the championship belt two years ago when Woods first introduced Charlie to a national television audience at the PNC Championship.
“They rubbed it in our faces at Christmas dinner, and they’re likely in a position to do it again at Christmas dinner,” Woods said. I have something to say.”
Even though it was crowded, it didn’t look like the last group, let alone a father and son, were limping at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando.
Woods, who limp with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, chipped in for an eagle from behind the 5th green and hit all the shots he needed, closing out the front nine with putts of 20 and 35 feet. .
Charlie’s left ankle hurt enough to kneel after top-shotting his tee shot on the par-5 5th hole. He rode a karting with his father – which is allowed because it is licensed by the PGA Tour champion – and changed shoes on the practice range to see if it helped.
The teenager recorded a 20-foot wedge for his first birdie when playing the 8-hole stretch at 9-under par. Charlie finished the round with his 6-foot birdie on his putt, bending over and picking up his father’s coin before the ball went into the cup.
“Some shots hurt so much. It was hard to walk,” Charlie said in front of the media for the first time at the event. “But it was fine. It wasn’t that bad.”
They have to chase Team Thomas, who made two eagles and rounded out a birdie from the bunker at 15-under-57.
Vijay Singh and son Qass were the first to score 59, but Woods and Thomas were the final group. The Thomas family spends a lot of time at home, which is why Charlie called it “the big family”.
Of playing with his son, Woods said, “You guys are watching what we’re doing at home right now.” It goes back and forth.It’s a great relationship and it just deepens the bond between father and son.It’s great to have been able to share over the years.This stage, This atmosphere with him.”
Plenty of noise.
Charlie scored a 20-footer on No. 7, and Thomas told him, “Welcome to the Father-Son.” This is a reference to the original tournament name and a chance to rib him for his contribution to the final score.
“We’re four friends out and about playing golf,” Thomas said. “Charlie hit a good percentage of his putts pretty hard today, so I tried to remind him of that. He hit some really good putts and shots too, so that was good.”
Woods had to withdraw from the Hero World Challenge two weeks ago and didn’t look very sharp in last week’s made-for-TV team game.
Aside from the limp, he appeared to be performing well, even with a golf club in his hand.
“That’s what I’ve been saying all along. I can hit the ball, but I’m having trouble getting from point A to point B,” Woods said. “I’ve had a frustrating few years. But again, I missed being able to compete and play for being able to be in this game and be able to do this.” “
His only goal for 2022 was to play for St Andrews in the 150th Open Championship. He eventually played in his three majors and said, “I got to play alongside his son.”
Singh and his 32-year-old son are playing for the 16th time. Their best result was runner-up to his Thomas for the 2020 team. They birdied 7 of his final 8 holes and scored 59.
Woods said he will begin working on a recovery plan for his right foot on Monday. For now, he’s having another day with his son trying to win for the first time.
“I know how difficult it is for him to play here,” said Mark O’Meara, who played with his son in the back four. “Usually, whenever you want Tiger to do something, tell him he can’t do it. And that’s usually when he does it.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but it would be great for him to come and play with Charlie.”
divot: Woods started the round and stopped at a tee to congratulate ex-wife Erin on the recent birth of their child. Charlie called out, and Woods smiled and said, “I have to go to work.” … Annika Sorenstam’s her 11-year-old son, Will McGee, scored his putt on the 9th hole where he birdied 40 feet. They were 62 years old together with Nelly Korda and her father.
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