Tiger Woods Considering Return At PNC Championship In A Fortnight

Tiger Woods had revealed his intention to return to the PGA Tour on a part-time basis, but now, it seems we may possibly seem him a lot sooner...

Tiger Woods PNC Championship
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tiger Woods has made a miraculous comeback since his serious car crash in February. From revealing that amputation was "on the table," to hitting full shots on the range at the Hero World Challenge, the golfing marvel continues to amaze.

With the 45-year-old being videoed and pictured more on the golf course, attention has obviously turned to when he will make his return to competition, with Woods stating his intention to return to the PGA Tour, but on a part time basis.

Now though, it seems there may be a possibility of a return a lot sooner than we think, with golf.com reporting that Woods is seriously considering playing the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie, who Woods was pictured with a few times watching him play junior tournaments as he recovered.

According to sources, one person familiar with Woods’ progress said he’d “test it next week and make a call.” He plans to make an official decision after hitting balls, playing golf and evaluating the readiness of both his body and swing.

Tiger Woods PNC Championship

Tiger and Charlie finished 7th in their debut in the event in 2020.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Although Woods has been videoed and pictured swinging it on the range, it still doesn't display the full story, with his sessions getting longer due to added breaks, and his stamina down due to the recovery and rehab of the accident.

There are a number of factors that give a positive outlook on a possible appearance though. Firstly the PNC Championship gets underway on the 18th - 19th December and Woods would be able to use a cart in the event. 

The tournament is also only two rounds (plus two practice rounds) And because of the format, in which the team can select either player’s tee shot, Charlie could find the fairway from the forward tees and Tiger wouldn’t even have to hit, saving his energy instead for short-iron approaches.

As well as that, we've heard his close friend, Justin Thomas, also mention it on the No Laying Up podcast, with other voices from the golfing world like Eamon Lynch, Notah Begay and Brandel Chamblee reporting the possibility, with Chamblee even stating there was “not a doubt in my mind” that Woods would play. 

One last point is that Retief Goosen and his son withdrew from the event with their spot being filled by Team Beem. This meant that the current field stands at 19 in what is a 20-team field event. That means there is still one spot open...

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x