By Rahul Banerji
For two days, Charlie Woods was the buzz-word. For two days, Charlie Woods broke the internet. Followers and fans could not get enough of his club twirls and fist-pumps.
For two days, Charlie Woods did what every competitive player has done over the years – celebrate some good, solid golf.
Charlie Woods is 11 years old.
During those two days, Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer of our time, sat back and soaked it all in.
For those 48 hour, Tiger Woods was just happy being a very happy father.
“I don’t think words can describe it,” the 15-time Major winner told his website, tigerwoods.com.
‘Lifetime memories’
The fact that we were able to have this experience together, Charlie and I. It’s memories for a lifetime.”
Justin Thomas and his father Mike may have won the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, but that will very quickly become a footnote.
A question at a golf quiz, may be, something like, “Who won the first public event Charlie Woods ever played in?”
Charlie Woods may never even go on to become a golfer eventually. It’s happened to children of super-achieving parents in the past. Don Bradman’s son even changed his surname to seek anonymity.
But for 48 glorious hours, it was not about his father. It was about the kid. And he took to it all – the chatter, the fans, the ever-present television cameras and all like a natural.
He even got a life-first eagle, all on his own. Tee shot, second shot and putt.
For the record, Team Thomas (25-under for the week) beat Vijay Singh and his son Qass by one shot to the title of what was formerly called the Father-Son Challenge when launched 25 years ago.
Wider pool
In its current avatar it has expanded to include Major and Players Championship winners – of both sexes – and family, anyone closely related.
After Saturday’s opening round when Charlie and Tiger shot a 10-under 62, and Tiger later remarked, ““We had so much fun being around one another. Cheering each other on. It was perfect.”
The first eight holes came in 8-under 28, which included six birdies and Charlie’s eagle.
Added Tiger, “I don’t really care about my game. I’m just making sure that Charlie has the time of his life. And he’s doing that.”
After Sunday’s round that saw Team Woods post a second successive 62 to finish in seventh place, Tiger noted, “Memories we’ll have for our entire lives.
“He’s not going to appreciate this at 11 years old. I didn’t when I was with my dad. As the years go by, you start appreciating it more.”
Event organiser Alastair Johnston had the final word.
“I’d like to find the right way to tell Charlie that thousands of kids watching at home will be inspired to want to play golf with their dads,” Johnston said.
“He wouldn’t appreciate it now. But one day he might.”
The full field
Mark Calcavecchia and son Eric
John Daly and son Little John
David Duval and son Brady
Jim Furyk and son Tanner
Padraig Harrington and son Paddy
Lee Janzen and son Connor
Tom Kite and son David
Matt Kuchar and son Cameron
Bernhard Langer and son Jason
Tom Lehman and son Sean
Greg Norman and son Gregory
Mark O’Meara and son Shaun
Gary Player and grandson James Throssell
Nick Price and son Greg
Vijay Singh and son Qass
Annika Sorenstam and father Tom
Justin Thomas and father Mike
Lee Trevino and son Daniel
Bubba Watson and father-in-law Wayne Ball
Tiger Woods and son Charlie
Also read: Tiger and cub to prowl fairways at PNC Championship
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