The PNC Championship, formerly known as the Father-Son Challenge, is a prestigious golf event that began in 1995. Initially, the tournament was open to Major winners or champions of the PGA Tour’s Players Championship. Over the years, the event has evolved to include female Major winners as well, and now features a field of 20 teams competing in a scramble format over 36 holes across two days for the Willie Park Trophy.
While the tournament started with just father-and-son teams, it has since expanded to include other family members. Notable entrants in the PNC Championship have included Fuzzy Zoeller, who teamed up with his daughter Gretchen in 2005, and Arnold Palmer, who played alongside his grandson Sam Saunders in 2013. Annika Sorenstam also competed in the event alongside her 12-year-old son, Will McGee in 2023.
One of the most successful teams in the history of the PNC Championship is Raymond and Robert Floyd, who were crowned victorious five times between 1995 and 2001. Bernhard Langer is another standout player in the tournament, having won multiple times with different family members. Langer and his eldest son, Stefan, claimed titles in 2005 and 2006, while Langer and his other son, Jason, have also secured victories in the event.
The Langers have been dominant in the PNC Championship in recent years, winning multiple times including a dramatic playoff victory in 2019. Other notable winners of the tournament include Larry Nelson, who has won twice with son Drew and once with other son, Josh, and Davis Love III, who has teamed up with his son Dru to win the championship twice. Tiger Woods and his son Charlie have yet to secure the title, coming closest in 2021 when they lost out by two strokes to John Daly and his son, John Daly II.
The PNC Championship has become a beloved tradition in professional golf, attracting top players and their family members to compete in this unique event. With a rich history of family connections and impressive achievements, the tournament continues to be a highlight of the golf calendar. Fans can look forward to more exciting competition and memorable moments in future editions of the PNC Championship. Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news and developments from the world of professional golf.
