Each year, the PNC Championship features a star-studded lineup of golfers who have won Major Championships or Players Championships. This year, the tournament is set to be a thrilling and feel-good watch with big names like Tiger Woods, Nelly Korda, and Lee Trevino teeing it up. However, due to the limited number of pairs allowed to compete, several popular players will not be returning to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando for the event.
One major pairing not included in this year’s field is the 2020 PNC Championship winners, Justin Thomas and his father, Mike. The duo, who have participated in every edition since their debut in 2020, will not be teeing up in 2024 for reasons unknown. Their absence is disappointing given their close relationship with Team Woods and the memorable moments shared during the tournament.
Another notable pairing missing from this year’s tournament is Team Spieth, consisting of Jordan Spieth and his father, Shawn. After making their debut in 2022 and finishing in a share of eighth place, the father-son pair will not be participating in the event. Jordan’s recovery from wrist surgery and plans to return in 2025 explain their absence this year.
In 2021, Henrik and Karl Stenson made their only appearance at the PNC Championship, finishing in a share of eighth place. However, due to Henrik’s move to the LIV Golf League, he is now ineligible to qualify for the tournament, which is a PGA Tour sanctioned event. The duo’s absence this year is attributed to this restriction.
Jim and Tanner Furyk, who debuted in 2018 and have participated in the event for the past seven years, will be missing this year’s championship. Although the reason for their absence is unclear, Jim has not competed in an event since the Constellation Furyk & Friends in October.
Bubba Watson, a two-time Major winner, made appearances in the PNC Championship in 2020 and 2021 but will not be participating this year due to his joining the LIV Golf League in July 2022. Despite expressing a desire to play in the event, Watson has not been able to compete since his move to a different golf organization.
Eight-time Major winner, Tom Watson, will miss the PNC Championship for the second consecutive year after skipping the event in 2023. The 75-year-old retired from professional golf in 2019 but has made a few appearances in the annual tournament, with his best finish being a tie for 13th.
The final pairing absent from this year’s tournament is Rich Beem, the 2002 PGA Championship winner, and his son, Michael. The duo participated in the event in 2022, finishing in a share of 10th place. Beem, known for his memorable Major victory over Tiger Woods, described the experience of playing in the PNC Championship as one that he will never forget.
