Tiger Woods looked happy … after the loss? 9 PNC Championship Questions

Hole in one. Plural. Out of hours. A winning free kick. Family hugs and handshakes. (Awwwww!) That Tiger guy in a fight. On Sunday at the PNC Championship, it felt almost like a crazy vacation drive — the pro-relative scrimmage serves as an easy conclusion to the pro-golf calendar, but the 2024 edition also managed to block out what felt like a year. stories on his last day. In the end, Bernhard Langer and son Jason won at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., but many more went down as well.

So, like Saturday, we’ve rounded up GOLF staffers Claire Rogers and Nick Piastowski to review the show. Claire is on the ground in sunny Orlando. Nick is at home in the wintry Northeast.

Nick Piastowski (@nickpia): Hello again, Claire! OK, where to start? Maybe a little strange that we will go with a moment from the runners-up, but we have to. What was it Charlie Woods hole in one how from near? Where were you when it happened? What have you seen? What did it look like? Give me the details!

Claire Rogers (@kclairerogers): I am very sad to report that I was on the 5th tee box when it happened. I thought I’d check out a few more bands in the morning before meeting Team Woods and Team Langer, but I heard the buzz! And thanks to social networks, the news spread immediately. Someone outside the ropes yelled, “Charlie made an ACE!” and everyone, including the volunteers, cheered. After that, I quickly met the final group and Charlie was congratulated by people in the gallery dozens of times before the end of the round.

Nick: OK, full disclosure time. On the final day of last year’s PGA Championship, I had assigned myself to be Michael Block’s quote writer and was going to catch him for his last few holes – meaning then missing his ace in person. So, in short, I feel your pain! Back to Sunday’s ace. From what you heard, Tiger honestly didn’t see it at all?

Claire: In his post-round interview, he said he wasn’t sure he was going in until the TV people said so. It was definitely a waiting game for them, but once it was confirmed, the Woodses started celebrating.

Nick: After the first hug, that push he gave Charlie was a shove. In one shape or form, I’ve followed Tiger his entire career, and the moment probably made him seem more genuinely happy than any other, wins excluded. I’m curious. You’ve been following Tiger for a while too. Is that the closest—I’m trying to find the right word—he’s been around. For example, there is the emotion we have seen from him since the victory. But this felt different. Am I here? Fill me in, please!

Claire: Agreed! He really seemed to be taking it all in. Great golf was just the icing on the cake for them this week. The PNC Championship is meant to be fun, and Tiger and Charlie (despite their extremely competitive nature) really stepped up to it this year. He laughed and smiled all day long.

Nick: After the hole in one, how was the mood down there? The crowds, while not US Open-sized, looked into it. And did you hear anything fun?

Claire: It felt like every other Sunday where Tiger has been in contention. Sure, they intentionally don’t sell as many tickets to the PNC Championship as other events, but the crowds behind Team Woods were still massive. A lot of people went in Christmas-themed costumes today, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s because the only autograph Tiger signed on the course was for a man dressed as a candy cane earlier this week. People were dressed as elves, as Santa, in ugly Christmas sweaters, and of course, many fans were in Sunday red

Nick: After you tweeted about the candy cane guy, I was wondering how you were going to feature him. Ready, shoot, aim, think. OK, lots of Team Woods questions here – but Team Woods didn’t win. Perhaps the way to put it is that Team Langer hasn’t lost. What impressed you most about the ageless prodigy and his son living in New York City? (Side note, I need to find where Jason plays here and link to whatever he’s drinking there.)

Claire: I had never seen Langer do it in person until today, and I was consistently impressed with his approach shots. However, I was already aware of how good Langer is. What really surprised me was how much game his son, Jason, has. He’s 24, played at UPenn and is now an investment banker. I can’t imagine he has much time to exercise with a demanding job and living in NYC. I can’t help but wonder what his game would be like if he committed to it full time!

Nick: Hmm, sounds familiar, although (hoping management is reading) I love my job! Speaking of, I think this is the happiest I’ve seen Tiger after a loss. Sound right?

Claire: Completely. The last time I saw him was after he lost his match at the US Open, and he wasn’t happy. Tiger leaned into fun this week and his family had a whole support system there. Classmates and friends make the trip to watch them set it up this weekend and you can tell they really appreciate it. He smiled a lot this weekend.

Nick: Okay, after three days of walking it, what’s the food intake? Are you optimistic about 2025? Or do you still have some questions that need to be answered?

Claire: I am optimistic! I know, I know. People will try to discount this week, but here’s the reality. He walked 18 holes three days in a row. He looked comfortable doing it and was playing great golf despite being rusty. And he enjoyed it! I’m already looking forward to Genesis and the main season.

Nick: Walking will be the biggest takeaway, for sure. We’ve seen a limp from him at PNC before – but not this year. But I’m still a little unsure why he didn’t star in Hero, though. Only he knows. OK, two more so you don’t miss your return flight. Best moment of the week, outside of the ace?

Claire: On Saturday, Team Leonard and Team Woods had some classmates out and they were cheering for everything. For Charlie’s shots, Luke Leonard’s drives and even Sam carrying the bag. It was great to see their support system in action and it looked like a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Nick: For me, I’ll go to Jason Langer just sticking repeated daggers on the 18th green, with a vote also for the hole in one from Padraig Harrington’s son. The top winner said he had never felt more excited in his life and he seemed very sincere. Weirdest/weirdest moment?

Claire: Maybe Tiger is signing the candy cane. I noticed the guy dressed as a candy cane on Friday and didn’t think much of it. The tiger thought it was funny. His sense of humor was fun to watch and he was happy to go sign for the guy who was willing to do something outside the box.

Nick: Can’t beat that. That’s it! Have a wonderful Christmas!

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