With the 2025 PNC Championship just weeks away, the biggest question in golf still has no answer: Will Tiger Woods and his son Charlie tee it up once again in the ultimate family showdown?
Right now, all signs point to no—but nobody from Team Woods has said a word.
Woods, 49, is still deep in recovery from his seventh back surgery, a lumbar disc replacement performed in October to address severe lower back issues.
It followed closely behind surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon, making this one of the most physically challenging periods of his career.
Many in the game expect that the earliest we might see Woods play again is The Masters in April, and even that feels optimistic.
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Given that timeline, a December return—despite the fact that the PNC allows him to ride in a cart—looks increasingly unlikely.
GolfMagic has reached out to PNC officials for comment but has not received a response.
It sounds like Team Woods is going to leave an official decision until the last moment, just in case Tiger feels able to compete.
But if truth be told, Woods won’t want to risk anything as he gears up to return to official Tour events in 2026.
Charlie Woods busy chasing State title
While Tiger focuses on rehab, 16-year-old Charlie Woods is in full tournament mode.
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This week he’s competing in the Florida Class 1A State Championship for The Benjamin School, a run fuelled by his breakthrough year on the junior circuit.
Charlie claimed his first AJGA win at the Team TaylorMade Invitational, helping cement his status as one of the brightest young prospects in US junior golf.
His packed competitive schedule may also make a PNC appearance less likely—if Team Woods isn’t 100%, they simply won’t force it.
Meanwhile… the PNC field keeps filing up
As the golf world waits (impatiently) for news from the Woods camp, the PNC Championship continues rolling out its star-studded lineup in steady waves.
One major addition this week: Gary Woodland, who will make his PNC debut alongside his father, Dan.
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The 2019 US Open champion is returning to form after undergoing life-changing brain tumour surgery in late 2023.
“I am thrilled to have finally gotten the invite for this very special tournament… I can’t think of a more perfect way to start the holidays,” Woodland said.
They join Nelly Korda and her father Petr, returning for a fifth appearance. Team Korda’s best finish remains a T-5 in 2022, something the World No. 1 contender is eager to improve on.
“It is such a special week… It has become the perfect way to end my season on a high note,” Korda said.
A field already locked with legends
As it stands there are 16 confirmed teams in the 2025 PNC Championship.
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It means there are still four teams still left to be announced.
2025 PNC Championship Field (confirmed) Gary Woodland & Dan WoodlandTrevor Immelman & Jacob ImmelmanSteve Stricker & Izzi StrickerJustin Leonard & Luke LeonardNelly Korda & Petr KordaLee Trevino & Daniel TrevinoAnnika Sorenstam & Will McGeeVijay Singh & Qass SinghGary Player & (partner TBC)Mark O’Meara & Shaun O’MearaBernhard Langer & Jason LangerMatt Kuchar & Cameron KucharPadraig Harrington & Paddy HarringtonJim Furyk & Tanner FurykDavid Duval & Brady DuvalJohn Daly & John Daly II
The 2025 field is shaping up to be just as iconic as last year’s, which featured:
69 major championships40 senior majors1,000+ international titlesMore than half the field having once held World No. 1
This year’s confirmed returnees include past winners John Daly and Vijay Singh, plus fan favourite Fred Couples, Jim Furyk, Justin Leonard, and Mark O’Meara.
Also locked in: defending champion Bernhard Langer, David Duval, Padraig Harrington, Trevor Immelman, Matt Kuchar, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, Steve Stricker, and Lee Trevino.
With four spots still unannounced, the anticipation for the final names—particularly whether Tiger and Charlie will headline the list—is only growing.
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A Quick PNC Refresher
The PNC Championship, played 20-21 December at the Ritz-Carlton GC in Florida, is a 36-hole scramble where major winners team up with a family member.
Carts are allowed, making it one of the few competitive environments Tiger can manage physically.
To qualify:
The pro must have won a major or The Players, andTheir partner cannot hold professional Tour status.
This will be PNC Bank’s 14th year as title sponsor after renewing their long-term commitment.
So… will Tiger and Charlie play?
The truth: it’s not looking good.
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Between Tiger’s extensive rehab and Charlie’s packed junior schedule, the father-son duo’s magical run at the PNC appears unlikely to continue this December.
But until the PNC makes its final announcements, the golf world will be refreshing its feeds, hoping for a twist.
After all, when it comes to Tiger Woods, you never say never.
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