Seth Udinski, FISM News
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Ten months after a car crash that threatened to end his professional career, Tiger Woods made a dramatic return to the golf course as he and his son secured a second-place finish at the PNC Championship.
Woods and his 12-year-old son Charlie finished their final round with 11 straight birdies as they came just short of pulling off the come from behind win. John Daily and his son John Daily Jr. won the tournament by finishing 27 under par, which was a course record and two strokes ahead of team Woods.
This was wonderful to watch…. @TigerWoods, who many feared may never play golf again after his horror crash, ripping up a tournament with his brilliantly talented Mini Me son, Charlie, 12. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/rcezj6JbCo
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 19, 2021
The return to the golf course capped off a 10-month journey for Woods who nearly lost his leg after rolling his car in a brutal accident in February. Woods used a golf cart throughout the tournament which he said helped relieve any additional strain on his leg:
I still have my old leg, which was questionable for a while, and it’s functioning. I’m just really tired. I’m not used to this. I think this might be my fifth round of golf this year. …I’m a little worn out, but it was nice to have a cart.
While much was made of Woods return to the course, his son Charlie stole the show for how much he mimicked his dad both in appearance and play. Charlie nailed two long puts on holes 8 and 9 and also nailed a tee-shot on the par-three 12th hole to keep the teams birdie streak intact to the delight of Tiger and fans alike.
Calm. Cool. Collected. 😎
Charlie Woods with an 🦅 to take the lead for Team Woods! 🔥@TigerWoods // @PNCchampionship
📺 Watch NOW on @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/EOlDjLsCC8
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) December 19, 2021
In his first time back in a tournament, Tiger seemed to be having fun throughout the two days, often smiling at his son as he made competitive gestures that mirrored the elder Woods. Tiger spoke highly of his son after the final hole:
We got on a run, which was great. Charlie was hitting the ball unbelievable and made a few putts. It got interesting and a little tight toward the end, which was fun. He’s an unbelievable player and partner.
While golf fans enjoyed seeing the iconic athlete back on the course, it will still be a while before Woods plays in a PGA event. Following the final hole Tiger admitted that he is still a “long way away from playing tournament golf.” Last month however, he told Golf Digest that he does hope to return to play PGA tournaments, though he will never play full-time again.