The 2023 PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes, unfolded with a remarkable performance by Matt Kuchar and his son Cameron. The duo set a new record with a three-shot lead after an impressive opening round of 57, the largest 18-hole lead in PNC Championship history. Although they finished 15-under, jsamust one shot shy of the 18-hole record, their strong start showcased Cameron’s exceptional golfing skills.
15-time Major champion Tiger Woods and son Charlie closed with back-to-back birdies to shoot an 8-under 64 and sit in T11. On having daughter “Sam” (Samantha) on the bag for the first time…
“Sam was fantastic. This is the first time she’s ever done this, so it couldn’t have been any more special for all of us. For me to have both my kids inside the ropes like this and participating and playing and being part of the game of golf like this, it couldn’t have been more special for me, and I know that we do this a lot at home, needle each other and have a great time. But it was more special to do it in a tournament like this.”
Matt Kuchar reflected on his son’s game, highlighting Cameron’s advanced abilities compared to his own at 16. Cameron, in turn, attributed their success to a fun and supportive dynamic, making a special eagle putt dedicated to his brother Carson.
The Kuchars’ lead of three strokes is the largest in PNC Championship history, matching the low first-round score and positioning them well for the tournament. Notable competitors like Bernhard Langer and son Jason, defending champions Vijay and Qass Singh, David and Brady Duval, and Retief and Leo Goosen are in joint second place.
Tiger Woods and son Charlie finished in T11 after closing with back-to-back birdies, while Woods expressed the joy of having his daughter Sam as his caddy for the first time.
The event featured heartwarming moments, including Steve Stricker’s humorous acknowledgment of being overruled by the women in his family and Charlie Woods admiring his father’s persistence through injuries.
The PNC Championship, in its 11th year with PNC Bank as the title sponsor, continues to attract major champions and their relatives. The tournament showcases family bonds through a star-studded lineup of players who have won a total of 62 Major titles. The PNC Championship has become a celebrated family event, emphasizing the special connections forged through a shared love of golf.
