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The Dalys Get the Dub, Tiger and Charlie Steal Show at PNC Championship

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It wasn’t a major by any stretch, but as far as parent/child golf tournaments go, the PNC Championship reigns supreme. Team Daly dethroned defending champions Team Thomas to become the 2021 PNC Champions with rounds of 60 and 57 to 27-under for the 36-hole event. The prize may be claimed by Team Daly—led by multiple major winner John, sporting a long white beard and a resemblance to Santa Claus—but all the eyes were on Team Woods as Tiger and Charlie charged late Sunday afternoon in their matching red and black fits. After going four-under through their first three holes, Team Woods made 11 straight birdies until parring the par-5 final hole to come up just two shots shy of equaling John and Little John.

Tiger Tempts Return

Playing in a cart and walking gingerly at times when required, it appears Tiger’s return to the Tour and ability to walk 18-holes remains some time away. That said, Tiger struck the ball with impressive power, an element of his game many assumed would take longer to catch up, especially after saying Charlie had faster ball speeds than he does heading into the event. That statement appeared to be an exaggeration, considering Tiger was hitting his driver 280-290 yards with 170+ mph ball speed at times—right around the Tour average.

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Arguably Tiger’s best shot of the week was a four-iron from 220 yards into the par-five third, which he stuffed to eight feet for eagle. There were signs of greatness amidst the ordinary, but if we were looking for trends indicating Tiger’s fitness level to eventually return to the Tour in some capacity, this week proved good news. When and where Tiger will make his professional return remains to be seen. Perhaps Augusta in April? As is typical with Tiger, he undoubtedly underpromised and over delivered in his return to competitive golf—even if it is just a family hit-and-giggle.

The Charlie Charge

The world’s first glimpse of Charlie Woods’ golf game came last year at the same event when he and his dad made their debut. The young cub impressed in 2020 with his smooth swing, swagger and on-course mannerisms that were uncannily identical to his dad’s. Social media was abuzz with clips of Charlie’s shotmaking and dialed in approach shots then, and the same can be said this year. From nearly holing out for eagle during the pro-am to hitting high cuts off the tee—a shot shape we’ve seen Tiger so often utilize—it was fun to see Charlie’s game develop. He carried his dad on the back nine Sunday, hitting a series of tight iron shots that set up birdies and paved the way to an impressive score of 15-under, 57. Most importantly, it was special to see the duo just hanging out on a golf course and celebrating each other’s good shots, an experience we can all relate to.

Nelly Meets Tiger

One of the best moments of the PNC Championship came behind the 18th green, where Nelly Korda waited post-round for Woods to finish up. There’s a good chance you’ve already seen it; the video took over the golf internet Saturday night.

What’s the backstory? Korda has admired Woods from afar but never actually met him. One would assume all top pros, even those from different tours, all know each other. In reality, unless they share agents or sponsors or a hometown, how would they? But Nelly had been eager to connect with her golfing hero all week.

The moment was particularly cool because of Korda’s own star power. She’s had a massive 2021, winning a major, an Olympic gold and ascending to World No. 1. There’s nothing relatable about the way she hits a golf ball, nor the way she slams the door on the competition when she’s in contention. But the way she approached Tiger Woods, excited and a little nervous? Plenty of golf fans know that feeling.

The video spread like crazy. There was something aspirational about the moment and about Nelly’s genuine excitement. It’s fun, watching people get excited. And in this case, the admiration goes both ways; Woods expressed his appreciation for Korda’s game just moments later in an interview.

New Equipment 

 Woods appeared at the tournament using the new driver and fairway wood from TaylorMade. The driver, which will be officially announced in January, has a matte black crown and red face, but little outside of the aesthetics is public knowledge.

TaylorMade didn’t anticipate announcing the driver to the world this early, but Woods was anxious to use it, moving the equipment company to push the driver through the USGA’s conforming process a few weeks earlier than expected. Watch for the announcement of the driver, which TaylorMade says has significant technology enhancements over previous versions, in early January.

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