These 6 moments (or eras) have defined golf's PNC Championship
Tim SchmittCall it silly season if you must, but the PNC Championship stands out on the professional golf calendar as a unique and festive way to close the year. It brings together fathers, mothers and grandparents teaming up with their sons, daughters or even grandchildren for a memorable family competition.
Once again, the event returns to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando this week, hosting 20 teams. Each pairing features a past major champion alongside a family member, creating a blend of elite golf and family camaraderie.The 36-hole, two-day tournament uses a scramble format, and that's allowed for some truly memorable moments through the years.
Here's a look at a half-dozen moments (or eras) that define the PNC Championship:
1. Raymond Floyd is the early GOAT (1995–2001)
The event debuted in 1995 as the PNC Father-Son Challenge, and Raymond Floyd and his son Raymond Jr. won the first three editions (1995–1997), and he then added another two titles with son Robert in 2000 and 2001.
Floyd’s five wins set the original benchmark for greatness in this family-focused event.
2. Bernhard Langer takes the reins
After Floyd's early dominance, Bernhard Langer became the king of the PNC Championship, winning six titles, surpassing Floyd’s record.
His victories spanned multiple decades as he won in 2005 and 2006 with son Stefan, and then in 2014, 2019, 2023 and 2024 with son Jason.
The 2024 win was particularly historic, as Langer broke the all-time record and cemented his dynasty.
3. Vijay Singh’s historic sub-60 rounds (2022)
Vijay Singh and son Qass Singh made history by becoming the first team to shoot two sub-60 rounds in the same tournament.
They fired consecutive 13-under 59s and finished at 26 under.
This marked the 16th time the Singhs have competed together in the PNC. Vijay, a three-time major winner, drained a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to hold off a foursome of former champions.
“This is a highlight of my career,” said Vijay, “winning with him.”
4. John Daly vs. Tiger Woods drama (2021)
John Daly and John Daly II won in 2021 with a total of 27 under, holding back a challenge from Tiger Woods and Charlie Woods, who thrilled fans with 11 straight birdies in the final round.
“To be here and win a big tournament like this with my son, nothing can beat it,” said John Daly after he and his son shot 57 and a 36-hole total of 27-under 117.
This showdown marked Tiger’s emotional return to competitive golf after his car accident, making it one of the most talked-about editions.
5. Justin Thomas and Mike Thomas’ fireworks (2020)
The father-son duo shot a blistering 15-under 57 in the final round, featuring seven straight birdies, to edge out Team Singh by a single stroke.
This performance showcased the event’s competitive spirit despite its family-friendly vibe.
“I put it to the side in case if it was the one that got it done,” Justin said of the winning ball. “I’ll be giving it to him whenever I get my hands on my bag.”
6. Tiger and Charlie Woods’ impact
While they haven’t won yet, Tiger and Charlie Woods have become the event’s biggest draw since their debut in 2020. Their runner-up finish in 2021 and consistent contention have elevated the PNC Championship’s profile globally.
That year, the duo teamed to reel off a tournament record 11 birdies in a row and shoot 15-under 57, even though it wasn’t enough to catch John Daly and son John II at the PNC Championship.
Only 1,000 tickets were sold to the public, and it seemed as if every one of them was watching Tiger and Charlie, including baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., and countless grown men dressed in Tiger’s traditional Sunday red and black. Former Tour pro John Cook went out to walk the back nine with Tiger, his old practice-round pal, and marveled at what he was seeing.
“Who knew a U.S. Open was going to break out,” he said, adding, “but you know Tiger, he’s not a just-show-up type of guy.”
“The competitive juices, they are never going to go away,” Tiger said. “This is my environment. This is what I've done my entire life. I'm just so thankful to be able to have this opportunity to do it again.”