Among many things that Tiger Woods still wants, a trophy with Charlie will be high on the list. The PNC Championship, where team Woods has become a regular, offers that chance. So, make no mistake when team Woods lands on Ritz Carlton later this year, the goal is to win. But they won’t have it easy. For an old foe, just confirmed his return.
John Daly and his son will also make the trip to the Ritz Carlton. Injuries cast dark clouds over team Daly’s presence at the PNC. Senior Daly had to withdraw from the PGA Championship, and then at the Open Championship because of multiple injuries. But currently, the two-time major champion is healthy.
Daly, resharing a clip of the PNC Championship on his Instagram story, wrote, “Can’t wait. Coming soon. Daly double in December.” Both Charlie Woods and John Daly II are a year older now. And, at this stage in their life, a stage can provide plenty of experience.
Daly II, the Razorback sophomore (redshirt) has finished outside the top 20 only twice in eight events he played. The difference will be that team Daly will be coming off after a season of professional and amateur competition, whereas Woods will be back after a long hiatus from competitive Golf.
Woods plans to grind on the practice range for a few months, complete rehab, and get in better shape. Currently, the 48-year-old can’t play week-in week-out. His days are marked by scheduled rehabs before and after the rounds.
“I’m going to just keep getting physically better and keep working on it. Hopefully, just come back for our — what is it, our fifth major, the Father/Son, so looking forward to it,” Woods said at the time. Charlie, on the other hand, had a mixed season so far, marked by highs like a victory at the South Florida Junior PGA Cup and lows like crashing out of the first U.S. Junior Amateur.
The two teams – Dalys and Woods – have a history at the PNC Championship, too. Team Woods was close to victory at the 2021 iteration of the tournament. However, the Dalys stopped them.
Team Woods vs. Team Daly: 2021 PNC Championship
2021 PNC was the closest the team Woods to snatching the title. For 36 holes, it was a fiercely contested battle, although the Dalys had an advantage. But then Tiger Woods and Charlie made 11 consecutive birdies to threaten their title hopes.
However, the elderly Daly held his calm and guided the team to victory. The 27-under was two better than team Woods and a course record at that point. Daly, however, was happy to just pair up with his son. Winning was a bonus. Tiger Woods offers a similar take. He is just happy to play with Charlie.
The competition is expected to be tougher each year as Woods Jr. and Daly II both are growing up. The Razorback sophomore’s maiden Korn Ferry Tour debut didn’t go as planned. Neither was Woods Jr.’s attempt at qualifying for a PGA Tour event. But with major winning pops on their side, the youngsters can steal the show.
