The PNC Championship is a standout event in professional golf, bringing together legendary players and their family members for a weekend of fun, family-focused team competition. This guide will walk you through exactly what this special tournament is, covering its unique format and eligibility rules, its charming history, and why it has become a can't-miss event for so many golf fans around the globe.
At its heart, the PNC Championship is a 36-hole tournament featuring two-player teams. What makes it so special is the makeup of those teams: one player must be a winner of a Major Championship or The PLAYERS Championship, and the other must be a family member. It’s an official event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, but it carries a different weight and feel than a typical tour stop. There are no FedExCup points on the line, and while the purse and the Willie Park Trophy are certainly rewarding, the real prize is the experience itself.
Often referred to as part of golf's "silly season" - a slate of unofficial, fun-focused events after the main tour season concludes - the PNC has carved out a beloved niche. It ditches the intense, high-pressure atmosphere of a regular professional tournament for something far more relaxed and personal. It’s a chance to see golf’s biggest stars not just as competitors, but as parents, children, and grandparents sharing their passion for the game with the people they love most.
The event began back in 1995 as the Father/Son Challenge. The concept was simple and brilliant: bring together legends of the game and their sons to compete as a team. The inaugural event featured icons like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, a_nd Raymond Floyd, setting the stage for a tradition that would grow in popularity year after year. For over two decades, it remained the Father/Son Challenge, creating countless memories for players and fans alike.
In 2017, the tournament rebranded and expanded its eligibility to "celebrate all family bonds," officially becoming the PNC Championship in 2020. This change opened the door for daughters, fathers, grandchildren, and other family members to join in, broadening the event's appeal and reflecting a more inclusive vision of family in golf. The result is a wonderfully diverse field that feels less like a competition and more like a family reunion on the fairways. The vibe is casual, the interactions are genuine, and the smiles are infectious. It's a reminder of the joy golf can bring when the focus shifts from grinding out a score to simply enjoying a walk with someone you care about.
Getting a spot in the PNC Championship field is an honor reserved for a very specific group of golfers. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
This dynamic has created some of golf’s most memorable modern pairings. We've watched Tiger Woods team up with his son, Charlie, giving the world a fascinating glimpse into their father-son relationship. We've seen world No. 1 Nelly Korda play alongside her father, former tennis major champion Petr Korda. Annika Sörenstam, one of the greatest female golfers of all time, has teed it up with her young son, Will McGee. And Justin Thomas has captured the trophy with his dad, Mike, a respected PGA Professional and coach. These pairings bridge generations and offer a humanizing look at the families behind golf’s greatest icons.
The PNC Championship uses a two-person scramble format, which is instrumental to the tournament’s entertainment value and relaxed atmosphere. As a coach, I love this format because it promotes bold play and fantastic teamwork. For those unfamiliar with a scramble, here’s how it works:
This format has several brilliant effects. First, it leads to phenomenally low scores. With two chances at every shot, teams can be incredibly aggressive. Second, it allows for fascinating strategy. Often, one player (usually the professional) will play a safe, conservative shot to ensure the team is in a good position. This frees up the other player to take on more risk - firing at a tight pin, trying to drive a green, or attempting a daring recovery shot. It’s a perfect recipe for highlight-reel golf. Most importantly, it takes immense pressure off the amateur family member, particularly the younger kids. A mishit shot is no big deal because there’s a good chance their pro partner hit a great one. It fosters an environment of encouragement and fun, not stress.
Beyond the pure entertainment, the PNC offers some excellent takeaways that can help any amateur golfer. If you ever play in a scramble or other team format, a little bit of study here can improve your own game.
Pay close attention to how the teams make decisions. The best team ball is not always the one that’s longest. Is the angle to the green better? Is the lie cleaner? Is it in the fairway? The pros in the PNC discuss these variables on every single shot. They also master the aggressor/conservative dynamic. Usually, the more consistent player hits first to put a ball safely "in the barn." This liberates the second player to take a more aggressive line, creating more birdie opportunities. Think about this a_nd talk about it next time you play with a partner.
One of the biggest lessons from the PNC is the constant communication. Watch how the teams talk through club selection, wind direction, putting lines, and overall strategy. It’s a constant dialogue. Amateur golfers in team events often play in relative silence, which is a missed opportunity. Vocalizing your thoughts and working together builds confidence and leads to better decisions. You become a true team, not just two individuals playing together.
The most powerful lesson is observing the mindset. When Charlie Woods hits a poor shot, Tiger offers quiet encouragement, not criticism. When Annika's son, Will, drains a putt, the celebration is immediate and joyous. The pros are there to lift their partners up. This is a model for every golfer. Bad shots are part of the game. Instead of dwelling on negativity, focus on the next opportunity and support your playing partners. It reinforces that at its core, golf should be about shared enjoyment, not perfection.
The PNC Championship is more than just another golf tournament, it's a heartwarming celebration of family, legacy, and the pure joy of the game. It provides a unique window into the personal lives of golf's heroes and reminds us all that the best rounds are the ones we share with people we care about.
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