At the 2024 PNC Championship held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, made headlines not only for his on-course performance but also for a personal milestone that caught his father by surprise. The annual parent-child tournament, a showcase of family bonding and competitive spirit, saw Charlie compete alongside Tiger, with his sister Sam serving as their caddie. However, it was Charlie’s rumored first public appearance with a girlfriend that sparked buzz and reportedly left Tiger visibly stunned, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the event.
Charlie, already a rising star in junior golf, has been under the public eye since his debut at the PNC Championship in 2020 at age 11, where he became the youngest competitor in the tournament’s history. His golfing prowess was on full display this year as he achieved his first career hole-in-one on the par-3 fourth hole with a perfect 7-iron shot, a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy and earned him a heartfelt hug from Tiger. The father-son duo, dressed in their iconic Sunday red, finished as runners-up after a playoff loss to Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, marking their second runner-up finish in five appearances. Yet, beyond the scorecards, it was Charlie’s off-course moment that stole the spotlight.
According to sources, Charlie was accompanied by a young companion, speculated to be his girlfriend, during the tournament weekend. While no official confirmation has been made about her identity, her presence was notable enough to draw attention from spectators and media alike. Tiger, known for his intense focus during competitions, appeared momentarily taken aback, a rare glimpse of the golf icon as a father navigating his son’s growing independence. Insiders describe Tiger as supportive yet surprised, reflecting the balance he strives to maintain between mentoring Charlie’s golf career and allowing him to carve his own path as a teenager.
The PNC Championship, a 36-hole scramble event featuring major champions and their family members, has always been a platform for heartwarming family moments. For the Woods family, this year’s tournament was especially significant. Sam, 17, caddied for Tiger and Charlie, creating a full family affair, while their mother, Elin Nordegren, watched from the sidelines, reportedly missing Charlie’s hole-in-one but joining for the back nine. The event underscored Tiger’s commitment to fostering a positive environment for his children, a contrast to the intense coaching style of his own father, Earl Woods. Tiger has often emphasized that he wants Charlie to enjoy golf without pressure, a sentiment echoed in his lighthearted interactions with his son on the course.
Charlie’s emergence as a golfer and a young man in the public eye continues to captivate fans. His achievements, from winning the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Major Championship in 2023 to helping The Benjamin School secure a state title, signal a bright future. Yet, this tournament highlighted that Charlie is not just Tiger Woods’ son but a teenager navigating life’s milestones. As Tiger hugged Charlie after his hole-in-one, the moment symbolized more than a golfing triumph—it was a father witnessing his son grow, both on and off the green, in ways that even a 15-time major champion couldn’t anticipate.