Tiger Woods regarded completely satisfied … after defeat? 9 PNC Championship questions

Holes in a single. Plural. Additional time. A successful putt. Household hugs and handshakes. (Awwwww!) That Tiger man in rivalry. On Sunday on the PNC Championship, the texture was nearly like a vacation mad sprint — the pro-relative scramble serves as a lighthearted end to the pro-golf calendar, however the 2024 model additionally managed to jam in what appeared like a yr’s value of tales on its last day. In the long run, Bernhard Langer and son Jason received on the Ritz-Carlton Golf Membership in Orlando, Fla., however a lot extra went down too. 

So, like Saturday, we’ve convened GOLF staffers Claire Rogers and Nick Piastowski to evaluation the play. Claire is on the grounds in sunny Orlando. Nick is at his residence within the wintery Northeast.   

Nick Piastowski (@nickpia): Hey once more, Claire! OK, the place to start out? Perhaps a bit of unusual that we’ll go together with a second from the runners-up, however we have now to. What was the Charlie Woods gap in a single like from up shut? The place have been you when it occurred? What did you see? What did it sound like? Give me the small print! 

Claire Rogers (@kclairerogers): I’m so, so bummed to report that I used to be over on the fifth tee field when it occurred. I figured I’d watch a number of different teams within the morning earlier than catching up with Crew Woods and Crew Langer, however I heard the roars! And due to social media, the information unfold immediately. Somebody exterior the ropes screamed, “Charlie made an ace!” and everybody, together with the volunteers, cheered. After that, I rapidly met up with the ultimate group, and Charlie was congratulated by folks within the gallery dozens of instances earlier than the top of the spherical.

Nick: OK, full-disclosure time. On the ultimate day of final yr’s PGA Championship, I’d assigned myself to be the quote-unquote Michael Block author and was going to meet up with him for his last few holes — which means I then missed his ace in particular person. So, lengthy story brief, I really feel your ache! Again to Sunday’s ace. From what you heard, did Tiger truthfully not see it in any respect?

Claire: In his post-round interview, he stated he wasn’t positive it went in till the TV folks stated so. It was positively a ready sport for them, however as quickly because it was confirmed, the Woodses started celebrating.

Nick: After the primary hug, that shove he gave Charlie was a shove. In some form or type, I’ve adopted Tiger his entire profession, and the second perhaps made him look extra genuinely completely satisfied than some other, victories excluded. I’m curious. You’ve adopted Tiger for some time, too. Is that probably the most — I’m making an attempt to search for the precise phrase — relatable he’s regarded. Like, there’s the emotion we’ve seen from him from successful. However this felt totally different. Am I proper right here? Fill me in, please!

Claire: Agreed! He actually gave the impression to be taking all of it in. He was psyched for Charlie, and he and each of his children have been clearly having a blast on the course. The good golf was simply icing on the cake for them this week. The PNC Championship is supposed to be enjoyable, and Tiger and Charlie (regardless of their extraordinarily aggressive natures) actually leaned into that this yr. He was laughing and smiling all day lengthy.

Nick: After the outlet in a single, what was the temper like down there? The crowds, whereas not U.S. Open-sized, appeared into it. And did you hear something enjoyable?

Claire: It felt like some other Sunday the place Tiger has been in rivalry. In fact, they purposely don’t promote as many tickets on the PNC Championship as different occasions, however the crowds following Crew Woods have been nonetheless large. Lots of people went in Christmas-themed costumes as we speak, and I can’t assist however marvel if it’s as a result of the one autograph Tiger signed on the course was for a person who was dressed up as a sweet cane earlier this week. Individuals have been dressed as elves, as Santa, in ugly Christmas sweaters, and naturally, loads of followers have been in Sunday pink

Nick: After you tweeted concerning the sweet cane man, I used to be questioning how he’d go about displaying that. Prepared, shoot, purpose, I assume. OK, numerous Crew Woods questions right here — however Crew Woods didn’t win. Perhaps the way in which to place it’s Crew Langer didn’t miss. What impressed you probably the most concerning the ageless marvel and his New York Metropolis-living son? (Aspect notice, I want to seek out the place Jason performs right here and get related with no matter he’s ingesting there.) 

Claire: I had by no means seen Langer tee it up in particular person till as we speak, and I used to be persistently impressed along with his strategy photographs. Nevertheless, I used to be already conscious of how good Langer is. What actually shocked me was simply how a lot sport his son, Jason, has. He’s 24 years previous, performed at UPenn and is now an funding banker. I can’t think about he has an excessive amount of time to apply with a demanding job and dwelling in NYC. I can’t assist however marvel what his sport can be like if he dedicated to it full-time!

Nick: Hmm, sounds acquainted, although (hoping administration is studying) I really like my job! Talking of, I believe that’s the happiest I’ve seen Tiger after a loss. Sound about proper?

Claire: Completely. The final time I noticed him was after lacking the minimize on the U.S. Open, and he was not completely satisfied. Tiger leaned into the enjoyable this week, and his household had an entire assist system there. Classmates and pals make the trek to observe them tee it up this weekend, and you would inform they actually appreciated it. He smiled rather a lot this weekend.

Nick: All proper, after three days of strolling with him, what’s the takeaway? Are you optimistic for 2025? Or nonetheless have some questions that have to be answered?

Claire: I’m optimistic! I do know, I do know. Individuals will attempt to low cost this week, however right here’s the truth. He walked 18 holes three days in a row. He regarded snug doing it, and he was taking part in some nice golf regardless of being rusty. And he loved it! I’m already trying ahead to the Genesis and main season.

Nick: The strolling would be the largest takeaway, for positive. We’ve seen a limp from him on the PNC earlier than — however not this yr. However I’m nonetheless a bit of not sure why he didn’t play within the Hero, although. Solely he is aware of. OK, two extra, so that you don’t miss your flight again. Greatest second of the week, exterior of the ace?

Claire: On Saturday, Crew Leonard and Crew Woods had some classmates out following and so they cheered for all the pieces. For Charlie’s putts, for Luke Leonard’s drives and even for Sam as she carried the bag. It was superior to see their assist system in motion, and it regarded like a whole lot of enjoyable for everybody concerned.

Nick: For me, I’ll go to Jason Langer simply sticking repeated daggers into the 18th inexperienced, with a vote additionally for the outlet in a single by Padraig Harrington’s son. The most important winner stated he’d by no means felt extra excited in his life, and he sounded very honest. Strangest/quirkiest second? 

Claire: Most likely Tiger signing the sweet cane. I seen the man dressed up as a sweet cane on Friday and didn’t suppose a lot of it. Tiger thought it was hilarious. It was enjoyable to get a glimpse into his humorousness, and he was completely satisfied to go signal for the man who was keen to do one thing exterior of the field.

Nick: Can’t beat that. That’s it! Have an important Christmas! 

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