The PNC Championship is a family-friendly event where well-known golfers can play alongside their loved ones. Tiger Woods, a 15-time Major winner, is fully embracing this aspect of the tournament by playing alongside his son Charlie and having his daughter Sam as his caddie for the second year in a row. Sam has been a familiar figure at Woods’ events through the years, including his 2019 Masters win and the 2022 PNC Championship. Last year, she stepped up to take on caddying duties for her father as he looked for a full-time replacement following his split from Joe LaCava.
By February’s Genesis Invitational, Woods had settled on Lance Bennett as his full-time replacement for LaCava, and he was still by his side in Woods’ most recent competitive appearance before the PNC Championship, July’s Open at Royal Troon. While there is no suggestion that Sam’s reappearance as his caddie this year indicates another change is impending, it seems more like Woods’ way of involving his daughter in the event alongside her younger brother. Sam has been actively involved in her father’s career, including introducing him at his World Golf Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
Although Charlie Woods is following in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a playing career in golf, it doesn’t appear as though Sam will be doing the same. Tiger explained on The Today Show in May that Sam has no real interest in golf due to a “negative connotation” she associates with the game. This negative view stemmed from the fact that golf took her father away from her as she was growing up, with Woods often being away for weeks at a time for tournaments. Despite this, Sam has been supportive of her father’s career, including caddying for him at the PNC Championship.
Before the tournament, Tiger provided an update on his fitness following back surgery, admitting that he still has a long way to go before returning to regular action. This indicates that his participation in the PNC Championship is more of a family affair and an opportunity to bond with his children on the golf course. The event allows fans to see a different side of Woods as he competes alongside his son and has his daughter involved as his caddie. With his family by his side, Woods is able to enjoy the game of golf in a different light, creating memorable moments for both himself and his children to cherish.
