Tiger Woods looked happy … after defeat? 9 PNC Championship questions

Holes in one. Plural. Overtime. A winning putt. Family hugs and handshakes. (Awwwww!) That Tiger guy in contention. On Sunday at the PNC Championship, the feel was almost like a holiday mad dash — the pro-relative scramble serves as a lighthearted finish to the pro-golf calendar, but the 2024 version also managed to jam in what seemed like a year’s worth of stories on its final day. In the end, Bernhard Langer and son Jason won at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., but so much more went down too. 

So, like Saturday, we’ve convened GOLF staffers Claire Rogers and Nick Piastowski to review the play. Claire is on the grounds in sunny Orlando. Nick is at his home in the wintery Northeast.   

Nick Piastowski (@nickpia): Hello again, Claire! OK, where to start? Maybe a little strange that we’ll go with a moment from the runners-up, but we have to. What was the Charlie Woods hole in one like from up close? Where were you when it happened? What did you see? What did it sound like? Give me the details! 

Claire Rogers (@kclairerogers): I am so, so bummed to report that I was over on the 5th tee box when it happened. I figured I’d watch a few other groups in the morning before catching up with Team Woods and Team Langer, but I heard the roars! And thanks to social media, the news spread instantly. Someone outside the ropes screamed, “Charlie made an ace!” and everyone, including the volunteers, cheered. After that, I quickly met up with the final group, and Charlie was congratulated by people in the gallery dozens of times before the end of the round.

Nick: OK, full-disclosure time. On the final day of last year’s PGA Championship, I’d assigned myself to be the quote-unquote Michael Block writer and was going to catch up with him for his final few holes — meaning I then missed his ace in person. So, long story short, I feel your pain! Back to Sunday’s ace. From what you heard, did Tiger honestly not see it at all?

Claire: In his post-round interview, he said he wasn’t sure it went in until the TV people said so. It was definitely a waiting game for them, but as soon as it was confirmed, the Woodses began celebrating.

Nick: After the first hug, that shove he gave Charlie was a shove. In some shape or form, I’ve followed Tiger his whole career, and the moment maybe made him look more genuinely happy than any other, victories excluded. I’m curious. You’ve followed Tiger for a while, too. Is that the most — I’m trying to look for the right word — relatable he’s looked. Like, there’s the emotion we’ve seen from him from winning. But this felt different. Am I right here? Fill me in, please!

Claire: Agreed! He really seemed to be taking it all in. He was psyched for Charlie, and he and both of his kids were clearly having a blast on the course. The great golf was just icing on the cake for them this week. The PNC Championship is meant to be fun, and Tiger and Charlie (despite their extremely competitive natures) really leaned into that this year. He was laughing and smiling all day long.

Nick: After the hole in one, what was the mood like down there? The crowds, while not U.S. Open-sized, seemed into it. And did you hear anything fun?

Claire: It felt like any other Sunday where Tiger has been in contention. Of course, they purposely don’t sell as many tickets at the PNC Championship as other events, but the crowds following Team Woods were still massive. A lot of people went in Christmas-themed costumes today, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s because the only autograph Tiger signed on the course was for a man who was dressed up as a candy cane earlier this week. People were dressed as elves, as Santa, in ugly Christmas sweaters, and of course, plenty of fans were in Sunday red

Nick: After you tweeted about the candy cane guy, I was wondering how he’d go about displaying that. Ready, shoot, aim, I guess. OK, lots of Team Woods questions here — but Team Woods didn’t win. Maybe the way to put it is Team Langer didn’t miss. What impressed you the most about the ageless wonder and his New York City-living son? (Side note, I need to find where Jason plays here and get connected with whatever he’s drinking there.) 

Claire: I had never seen Langer tee it up in person until today, and I was consistently impressed with his approach shots. However, I was already aware of how good Langer is. What really surprised me was just how much game his son, Jason, has. He’s 24 years old, played at UPenn and is now an investment banker. I can’t imagine he has too much time to practice with a demanding job and living in NYC. I can’t help but wonder what his game would be like if he committed to it full-time!

Nick: Hmm, sounds familiar, though (hoping management is reading) I love my job! Speaking of, I think that’s the happiest I’ve seen Tiger after a loss. Sound about right?

Claire: Totally. The last time I saw him was after missing the cut at the U.S. Open, and he was not happy. Tiger leaned into the fun this week, and his family had a whole support system there. Classmates and friends make the trek to watch them tee it up this weekend, and you could tell they really appreciated it. He smiled a lot this weekend.

Nick: All right, after three days of walking with him, what’s the takeaway? Are you optimistic for 2025? Or still have some questions that need to be answered?

Claire: I am optimistic! I know, I know. People will try to discount this week, but here’s the reality. He walked 18 holes three days in a row. He looked comfortable doing it, and he was playing some great golf despite being rusty. And he enjoyed it! I’m already looking forward to the Genesis and major season.

Nick: The walking will be the biggest takeaway, for sure. We’ve seen a limp from him at the PNC before — but not this year. But I’m still a little unsure why he didn’t play in the Hero, though. Only he knows. OK, two more, so you don’t miss your flight back. Best moment of the week, outside of the ace?

Claire: On Saturday, Team Leonard and Team Woods had some classmates out following and they cheered for everything. For Charlie’s putts, for Luke Leonard’s drives and even for Sam as she carried the bag. It was awesome to see their support system in action, and it looked like a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Nick: For me, I’ll go to Jason Langer just sticking repeated daggers into the 18th green, with a vote also for the hole in one by Padraig Harrington’s son. The major winner said he’d never felt more excited in his life, and he sounded very sincere. Strangest/quirkiest moment? 

Claire: Probably Tiger signing the candy cane. I noticed the guy dressed up as a candy cane on Friday and didn’t think much of it. Tiger thought it was hilarious. It was fun to get a glimpse into his sense of humor, and he was happy to go sign for the guy who was willing to do something outside of the box.

Nick: Can’t beat that. That’s it! Have a great Christmas! 

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