Every December, the PNC Championship blends competition with family tradition, pairing golf legends with their children in a two-day showcase that feels more like a reunion than a tournament.
This year’s buzz centers once again on John Daly and his son, John Daly II, who have become unofficial ambassadors for the event. The larger-than-life duo captured the PNC crown in 2021 and remain crowd favorites every time they tee it up.
Yet, their latest return comes with another storyline hanging over the field: the expected absence of Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie.
Tiger’s recovery and Charlie’s busy schedule cloud PNC participation
An early participants list released on October 1 didn’t include the Woods pairing, immediately raising doubts about whether they’ll make the trip this year. Tiger, still recovering from another back procedure, has played very little competitive golf in 2025 and continues to prioritize his long-term health.
Meanwhile, Charlie Woods has ramped up his junior tournament schedule, leaving little time for offseason appearances. Those close to the family describe their decision as a strategic step – focusing on Tiger’s rehabilitation and Charlie’s growth rather than forcing another high-profile public outing.
If the Woods family does stay away, it would be their first absence from the PNC since 2020, when their debut together helped catapult the event into mainstream attention.
A rivalry built on respect, humor, and competition
Though they’ve taken different paths, John Daly and Tiger Woods share a connection that has lasted more than three decades. Their first meeting dates back to 1989, when a teenage Tiger nearly beat Daly in a junior-pro event. Daly birdied three of the final four holes to claim the win, leaving a lasting impression on the young phenom.
Years later, Woods acknowledged Daly’s natural ability with a wry compliment: “If I had your talent, I’d be doing the same thing you’re doing.”
The two have exchanged friendly jabs ever since. During one PNC event, Woods joked, “I’ll meet you in the gym,” to which Daly famously shot back, “I’ll meet you at the bar.”
Their good-natured banter hit a snag in 2019, when Woods questioned Daly’s use of a cart at the PGA Championship, saying, “As far as J.D. taking a cart? Well, I walked with a broken leg.” Daly, who had been granted a medical exemption for severe osteoarthritis, later said the remark stung. But the tension didn’t last long. Woods apologized during a PNC dinner, and the two mended fences.
Their competitive spark reignited in 2021 when Daly and his son defeated Tiger and Charlie to win the PNC Championship. That victory added a friendly edge to their history, two golfing icons from opposite ends of the personality spectrum, united by shared brilliance and mutual respect.
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