The PNC Championship is a fun family competition on the PGA Tour, which includes 20 pairings.
Last year’s winners Team Thomas, which includes Justin and Mike Thomas, are favored to win back-to-back titles at the sportsbook.
However, there are many quality father/son and father/daughter pairings ready to win the title. All eyes will be on Tiger Woods and his son Charlie, who will attract most of the attention.
Nelly Korda and her father Petr will tee it up, which should add some intrigue at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
Tiger Makes Comeback
It’s not an official PGA Tour tournament, but Woods will enjoy being back on the links following his serious car crash.
He will be using a cart after still suffering pain in his legs, and although unlikely to win the tournament with son Charlie, they will attract most of the attention.
Charlie, who is a chip off the old block, played well last year when the duo shot -20. It was good enough for seventh, and although it won’t be any easier this weekend, betting online markets have Team Woods at +1000 to score an upset.
The ratings will be off the charts as golf fans from around the world want a glimpse of the ‘new’ Woods. PNC Bank senior executive Lou Cestello explains the impact Woods has on the tournament.
“It’s almost immeasurable,” Cestello told Golf.com. “We’ll have to see what the TV ratings end up being. Tiger just kind blows the lid off it in terms of the popularity.
“We’re always watching ratings and numbers and try to measure everything we can. We expect there to be a big bump this year.”
We’re also excited to see Charlie play. Many believe he’s a PGA Tour player in the making, and he continues to make strides on the amateur scene.
Team Thomas Again?
Justin and Mike Thomas shot -25 over two rounds last year, so they’ll be tough to beat again at around +200 odds.
The one-shot victory over Team Singh holds them in good stead. Having experience winning in this format is crucial, so they’re the team to beat at Ritz-Carlton.
“A part of you didn’t care who won,” Mike Thomas said. “We were here as father and son to enjoy a special moment.”
Justin Thomas comes off a top-five finish at the Hero World Challenge behind Viktor Hovland, which followed a third placing at the OHL Classic, also behind Hovland.
He’s coming into form at the start of the wraparound season and betting on Team Thomas is a sound strategy.
Team Korda Could Surprise
Nelly Korda couldn’t have had a better year. She won just about everything on the LPGA Tour, and although playing against men is tough, she could produce the goods.
The American teams up with father Petr, who is a former professional tennis player. Tennis and golf go hand-in-hand, so we expect to see some solid form from the 53-year-old.
His handicap has been in the low numbers, so if they can produce their best golf, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them near the top of the leaderboard.
The secret to Nelly Korda’s success could be getting her angry.
“When I used to play against my dad when I was younger, he would always try to piss me off because he always said that I step it up a notch when I’m pissed,” Korda said.
Golf betting markets have Team Korda at +2800, which is a healthy number.
