As Charlie Woods Remains Uncertain About Yearly Family Tradition, 13YO Rival Shows Off His Strong Side
A Glimmer of Uncertainty for Charlie Woods as a Young Rival Steps into the Spotlight: Is the Woods Family Legacy at the PNC Championship in Jeopardy?
Every year, the PNC Championship becomes a celebration of golf, bringing together world-class athletes and their families in a heartwarming display of skill, teamwork, and shared passion for the game. Among the most anticipated participants over the past few years has been the legendary Tiger Woods and his teenage son, Charlie Woods. Their impressive performances have left spectators and fellow competitors in awe, but the question now lingers: will the father-son duo return for the 2024 edition of the tournament, or is there an unexpected twist looming on the horizon?
The 2023 PNC Championship saw the Woods pair shoot a solid 64 in the opening round, ultimately finishing in a respectable tie for fifth place. It was a demonstration of not only their athletic prowess but also the undeniable bond between them. Fans marveled at Charlie’s improving game, which seemed to mirror the precision and finesse of his iconic father. Yet, the events that followed may have cast a shadow over their plans for this year’s championship.
In September 2024, Tiger Woods underwent a significant surgical procedure on his lumbar spine. The microdecompression surgery, aimed at treating a nerve impingement in his lower back, was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi at the Hospital for Special Surgery. In a statement following the procedure, Woods expressed optimism: “The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season. I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”
Despite the positive outlook, Tiger’s road to recovery is fraught with uncertainty. While the 15-time major champion did not specify a timeline for his return to competitive golf, medical experts suggest that the recovery process could take several months. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, will be crucial, and even for someone as resilient as Woods, the likelihood of him being ready for the PNC Championship in December remains slim. This raises a question that no one wants to confront: Will Charlie Woods, without the guiding presence of his father, sit out this year’s championship?
As the Woods family’s participation hangs in the balance, another young golfer is making waves. Annika Sorenstam, one of the greatest female golfers in history, has long been a staple of the PNC Championship, competing alongside her son, Will McGee. The mother-son duo captured the hearts of the audience in 2023, and now, Will is stepping into the spotlight on his own. At just 13 years old, McGee is already proving himself to be a formidable player.
In a recent Instagram post, Sorenstam’s husband, Mike McGee, proudly shared an update on Will’s progress, revealing that the young golfer had competed in a Lake Highland Prep match at The Country Club of Orlando. Will doubled his last hole for a 39, an impressive feat for the season. His father’s post reflected the pride the family feels for Will’s dedication to the game: “I enjoyed following @will_mcgee2 in his Lake Highlands golf match today. He doubled (1st of season) the last for a 39 at @thecountrycluboforlando. Before he started, we saw @jimthorpegolf who played with my dad, and I told him Will has grandpa’s short game, and he said, ‘Then my man is destined for success.’”
This moment of triumph for McGee harkens back to the emotional experience of last year’s PNC Championship, where Will and his mother shared a heartfelt moment on the final hole. With tears in his eyes, the young golfer told Sorenstam, “Slow down, Mommy, I don’t want this moment to end.” The words resonated with golf fans everywhere, symbolizing the bond between parent and child that makes the PNC Championship such a unique event. Will’s enthusiasm for the tournament is unmistakable; in his own words, the week of the PNC Championship is “the best week of my year and life.”
While Will McGee’s star continues to rise, the same cannot be said for Charlie Woods in 2024. With Tiger Woods potentially sidelined by his recovery, the possibility of Charlie competing in the PNC Championship this year seems less likely. However, the wisdom that Tiger has imparted to his son—and to all aspiring young golfers—remains invaluable.
In the lead-up to the 2023 PNC Championship, Tiger Woods shared his philosophy on mastering the game, offering guidance not just to Charlie but to junior golfers worldwide. “I stress to him over and over again: You can hit it as hard as you want. All you have to do is two simple things: hit it in the middle of the face every single time and have a nice finish.” These words of wisdom serve as a reminder that, while power and speed are important, precision and control are what truly elevate a golfer’s game.
Tiger also acknowledged how impressed he was with Charlie’s physical development, especially his lower body rotation. This element of Charlie’s swing has been the subject of praise since 2020, and as he has grown, it has only become more refined. “He uses his lower body way better than I ever did,” Woods remarked, adding that he never had the kind of speed his son currently possesses at his age. Charlie’s evolution as a golfer is evident, and even though he is still refining his swing, the potential is undeniable.
Golf expert Jonathan Yarwood echoed this sentiment in 2020, noting that fast lower body rotation is common among junior golfers and often leads to an aggressive swing. “Lots of juniors have very fast lower body rotation, which you’ll see later in the swing, so he uses a stronger grip to counteract that,” Yarwood explained. As Charlie has matured, his swing has changed, becoming less closed and more controlled, but still maintaining the same raw power that has captured the attention of golf enthusiasts everywhere.
As the PNC Championship approaches, the uncertainty surrounding the Woods family’s participation remains. While Charlie Woods may not have the opportunity to play alongside his father this year, one thing is clear: the next generation of golfers, including rising stars like Will McGee, are ready to step up and continue the tradition. Whether or not we see Charlie at the 2024 tournament, his future in golf is as bright as ever, thanks to the foundation laid by his legendary father. For now, golf fans will eagerly await December, hoping for a surprise return from the Woods duo while celebrating the new talent poised to make their mark.
