Tiger Woods announces long-awaited return as golf legend prepares to team up with son Charlie
Tiger Woods will make his long-awaited return to golf later this month when he competes in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie.
The 48-year-old, a 15-time major champion, has not played competitive golf since the Open Championship in July.
He underwent surgery in September – a sixth back surgery in a decade – but Woods and his 15-year-old son will do it together in the 36-hole event.
Team Woods has played together for the 36-hole tournament every year since 2020 and will take the field again at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando from December 19 to 22.
It’s the fifth time the father-son duo have worked together, with Woods Sr. and Jr. achieved their best result in 2021, when they finished second.
“I’m really excited to get back to the PNC Championship with Charlie next week,” Woods said.
Tiger Woods returns to golf later this month as he teams up with his son Charlie
Team Woods will be part of a star-studded field at the PNC Championship in Orlando
“Playing together is something we look forward to and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family.”
Woods underwent microdepression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back, the latest of several back surgeries he has undergone during his career.
Team Woods is joined in the star-studded field by Padraig and Paddy Harrington, Nick and Matthew Faldo, Lee and Daniel Trevin, as well as Annika Sorenstam and Will McGee.
Just last week, Woods caused concern about his future afterwards choosing not to play in the Hero World Challenge.
‘I don’t. I really don’t,” the 15-time Major winner admitted when asked if he had a goal of returning to the course.
“I’m just trying to test it gradually, keep making progress without messing it up. I don’t want to have any setbacks, just keep making progress and give myself the best possible chance going into next year.
“I feel like I’m getting stronger and more flexible, but I still have a long way to go before I can compete against these guys.”
“I’m not tournament sharp yet,” he added. ‘I’m still not there. These are 20 of the best players in the world and I’m not sharp enough to compete against them at this level. So if I’m ready to compete and play at this level, then I will.”
Woods played five tournaments in 2024, finishing 60th in the Masters and missing the cut in the other three majors, after pledging to play one event a month at the Hero World Challenge last year.