In the world of golf, few moments capture the heart quite like those shared between a father and son on the course.

At the 2024 PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie delivered one such unforgettable scene that left fans, players, and even the legendary Tiger himself deeply moved.

It was a putt that not only showcased Charlie’s emerging talent but also etched a new chapter in golf history, bringing the 15-time major champion to the brink of tears.

The PNC Championship, a beloved father-child (or family member) scramble event featuring major winners, has become a holiday tradition for golf enthusiasts. Team Woods had participated multiple times before, finishing as runners-up in previous years and captivating audiences with their chemistry.

In 2024, returning after Tiger’s recent back surgery, the duo was determined to finally claim the title. Playing in the scramble format, where teams select the best shot each time, Tiger and Charlie synced perfectly, blending the veteran’s precision with the youngster’s fearless power.

The tournament unfolded dramatically over two rounds at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. On the final day, wearing matching red shirts—a nod to Tiger’s iconic Sunday attire—Team Woods fired a stunning 57, tying them at 28-under with defending champions Bernhard Langer and his son Jason.

The stage was set for a playoff, but the true magic happened earlier, building to an emotional crescendo.

The turning point came during the final round on the par-5 18th hole in regulation. After strong drives and approaches, Team Woods faced a lengthy eagle putt from around 25 feet. Charlie, stepping up with the poise of a seasoned pro, lined it up carefully.

The ball tracked beautifully toward the hole, grazing the edge with perfect speed before lipping out agonizingly. Charlie dropped to his knees in disbelief, his fist pump frozen mid-air as the crowd groaned in sympathy. It was one of those heart-wrenching near-misses that define high-stakes golf.

Tiger, watching intently, felt the weight of the moment. As the putt horseshoed out, his eyes welled up. Overwhelmed by pride in his son’s composure under pressure—and perhaps reflecting on his own comeback from injuries—the golf icon wiped away tears.

Commentators noted the rare vulnerability from a man known for steely focus. “That’s my boy,” Tiger later said in interviews, his voice cracking. “Seeing him handle that pressure, making history out here…

it’s everything.” The putt, though it didn’t drop, symbolized Charlie’s growth: from the young kid mimicking his dad’s swing to a competitor draining clutch shots and nearly winning the event.

What made this putt historic? Charlie’s near-eagle forced the playoff, marking the first time Team Woods reached sudden death in the PNC.

Earlier in the round, Charlie had already stolen the show with his first career hole-in-one on the par-3 fourth—a perfect 7-iron that bounced in, earning a bear hug and playful shove from Tiger. But the eagle attempt on 18 elevated the drama.

In the playoff, replaying the par-5, Charlie again reached the green and had another eagle chance. This time, his 25-footer burned the edge once more, lipping out strongly. Bernhard Langer then sealed victory with his own eagle putt, but the day belonged to the Woods family.

Charlie’s performance wasn’t just flashes of brilliance; it was consistent excellence. He outdrove his father on several holes, striped irons close, and drained key birdies throughout. At 15, he became one of the youngest to contend seriously in the event, drawing comparisons to Tiger’s prodigious youth.

Fans marveled at the mannerisms—the twirl after good shots, the intense stare over putts—echoing the elder Woods. Yet Charlie is carving his own path, with junior victories and a growing reputation.

For Tiger, battling chronic injuries including ankle fusion and multiple back procedures, the event was a rare chance to compete pain-free (relatively). Post-surgery in September 2024, he returned sooner than expected, driven by the opportunity to play alongside Charlie.

The tears weren’t from frustration but joy: witnessing his son’s talent bloom on a big stage. “This is what it’s all about—family, memories,” Tiger reflected. “Winning would be great, but moments like that putt… they’ll last forever.”

The golf world buzzed with reactions. Social media exploded with clips of the lip-out and Tiger’s emotion. Analysts praised Charlie’s maturity, predicting a bright future—perhaps even on the PGA Tour someday. Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters winner, graciously acknowledged the duel: “They pushed us all the way. Charlie is special.”

Though Team Langer claimed their sixth PNC title, the narrative shifted to Team Woods. Runner-up again, but closer than ever. Charlie made history as the youngest to ace in the event’s modern era and force a playoff with such flair.

The unbelievable putt—twice lipping out for eagle—epitomized the fine line in golf, yet it brought father and son closer.

As the sun set on Orlando, Tiger and Charlie walked off together, arms around each other. No trophy, but something greater: a bond strengthened on the greens, tears of pride flowing freely. In a sport full of triumphs and heartbreaks, this was pure magic—a reminder why we love golf.

Charlie Woods is no longer just Tiger’s son; he’s a rising star making his own history, one clutch putt at a time.