Tiger Woods makes expectations for son Charlie clear ahead of PNC Championship

Tiger Woods, who has won 15 major tournaments, has made his expectations for his teenage son Charlie clear as the two pair up for the PNC Championship Pro-Am this weekend

Tiger Woods revealed his expectations for his son (Image: Getty Images)

The 15-time major winner will team up with his son Charlie, 15, at the PNC Championship Pro-Am tournament this weekend. Woods is making his first competitive appearance since back surgery three months ago as he and his son partner each other for the fifth consecutive year.

Woods and Charlie have played in the 36-hole tournament that invites typically major winners to compete with family members every year since 2020.

Woods was asked what he has seen from his son’s golf game in recent years to reach his current level ahead of the PNC Championship. “He’s matured, definitely, but at the end of the day he’s still a kid,” Woods said. “I just want him to have fun, be able to enjoy it, and for me to provide an environment that he will.

“It’s been great over the years and this will be no exception. We’re going to have a great time. Normally at home, the banter is more against each other, not for each other… To have the bonding experience like this, that’s what it’s all about.”

Woods later discussed the banter and smack talk he gets involved in with his son when they’re playing together. “At home it’s none stop banter, we never stop. But we know where the line is, over the years it has been blurred and moved a little bit from time to time but it’s all love,” he said.

Tiger and Charlie will team up in the PNC Championship ( Image: Getty Images)
“I love him to death and I’d do anything for him but at the same time we’re competitors and so I like to draw that out of him every now and again and over the years he’s definitely brought that out of me.”

He continued: “It goes back and forth, I’m here to help. He does come to me from time to time and then again I want him to discover it on his own and make it his own journey. We as parents, we are supposed to provide that opportunity and support and he knows that I’m always here for him no matter what happens. Good, bad, indifferent.

“I just want him to enjoy it and over the years that’s what my dad provided for me. That safety net, then again he knew at the end of the it was all about love.”

Woods’ return comes after he underwent a micro decompression surgery on his lumbar spine to relieve him from nerve trouble in his lower back. “The surgery went smoothly,” Woods said in a statement after undergoing successful surgery.

“And I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season. I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”