Reporter John Perry at the 2018 PNC Father/Son Challenge
BY JOHN PERRY
(December 17, 2018)
This was the 21st playing of the PNC Father/Son Challenge, held December 13-16, 2018 at The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Florida. The hefty tournament purse was set at $1,085,000, with the winner’s share coming in at $200,000. Money payouts go to teams 1 through 20. The last place team even comes in with a little bundle, receiving $40,000.
QUALIFYING
To qualify to play in the PNC Father/Son Challenge the event participants must have won either a Major Championship or The Players in their career. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a tour card, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen daughters and grandsons participate over the years. In keeping with the spirit of the PNC Father/Son Challenge, PNC hosts golf tournaments during the summer/fall. At these events, family teams have an opportunity to compete to win spots in the official Pro-Am of the PNC Father/Son Challenge and play alongside some of the most famous names in golf.
John Daly Sr., during Saturday’s round at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. (Photo: John Perry)
Little John Daly Jr. after Saturday’s round. (Photo: John Perry)
The 20- team field competes in a scramble format over 36 holes for the $1,085,000 prize purse and the Willie Park Trophy, named after Willie Park and his son Willie Park Jr., who combined to win the British Open five times. Last year’s team champions Angel Cabrera and Angel Cabrera Jr. did not return this year to defend their 2017 win. This year’s winning team of Davis Love and son Dru Love won with record-breaking performances. Davis Love III and son, Dru Love, shot a record-breaking final round 56 (-16) on Sunday, to seal a three-shot victory over Team Goosen, Team Cink and Team Daly and claim their second tournament victory at the 2018 PNC Father/Son Challenge with a championship record 118 (-26) total.
Davis Love III and son, Dru Love also won this event 6 years ago, in 2012. Congratulations to the Love Team. Major Sponsor for the PNC Father/Son Challenge is car dealership “Maserati“—Nuff Said.
Veterans Enjoy Free Amenities at Father/Son Challenge
In honor and recognition of the service of our US Veterans, an American flag waves on the pin at the 18th green. While also recognizing a completed round, the flag serves to remind attendees of the men and women who served, and those who currently serve, to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. “The tournament means a great deal to many of the veterans who grew up admiring these outstanding golfers,” said Chris Bischoff, a retired five-year U.S. Army Captain to the news media. Bischoff served as a combat infantry officer in the Special Forces. in 2016 veterans enjoyed free admission and amenities at the tournament.
Phil Albernathy, United States Air Force Veteran and Champaign, Illinois resident enjoying the 2018 Father/Son Challenge.
Meet Phil Abernathy
I met Phil Albernathy at the PNC Father/Son Challenge and discovered that we have a lot in common. Born and raised in Champaign, Ill., Phil is a United States Air Force Veteran (like myself). Phil served from 1964-1968 (I served from 1969-1973). We both had our Basic Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Tx. We both also completed our Tech School Training at Chanute AFB, in Rantoul, IL. (Rantoul is about 15 miles from Champaign). Phil loves golf and the Orlando-Florida area and all that comes with it. I relocated to Orlando nearly 3 years ago. I love golf and the Orlando area and all that comes with it.
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Phil says the PNC Father/Son Challenge is a favorite tournament of his. He usually schedules his annual family vacation to Florida around the dates of the event. The PNC Father/Son Challenge is a very family orientated tournament and so this fits right in for Phil. He’s the proud father of two daughters and multiple grandkids. He says, “family is one of my top priorities.”
At 73-years old, Phil didn’t start playing golf until ten years ago. His lowest round, thus far, he says was somewhere in the 80’s. However, his number one passion is fishing. He and his wife travel as often as possible and he has had the pleasure of fishing for “Steelhead fish” in Maui, Hawaii–one of his favorite destinations. They’re Marriott Vacation Club Members and takes full advantage of their membership. When it comes to sports outside of golf he’s also a big Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. His favorite Golf Course is Legends Golf Club in Champaign, IL. IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL.
John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them—and then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Florida.
