The 28th PNC Championship 2025 tips off tomorrow at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando in Florida, but this year’s family golf showdown looks dramatically different. Bernhard Langer and son Jason return to defend their title as six-time champions, while Tiger Woods remains sidelined with recovery from Achilles surgery, opening the door for other major champions to claim the family scramble crown.
🔥 Quick Facts
- When: December 20-21, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida
- Format: 36-hole, two-player scramble with 20 major championship teams competing
- Prize Money: $1.085 million total purse with $200,000 going to the winning team
- Tiger’s Status: Woods confirmed on December 2 that he won’t compete due to ongoing Achilles recovery
Langer Seeks Three-Peat as Defending Champions Return
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Bernhard Langer and Jason Langer aim for a third consecutive PNC Championship title after their dramatic playoff victory against Tiger and Charlie Woods last December. The 67-year-old German legend set a 36-hole tournament record of 28-under with his youngest son, establishing themselves as the team to beat in Orlando.
Their quest for a three-peat arrives with renewed significance. The field features eight former world No. 1s including Fred Couples, Jim Furyk, and Padraig Harrington. Each pairing represents decades of major championship experience combined with the intimate family dynamic that makes this event unique on the professional calendar.
What to Watch: Tournament Format and Key Storylines
| Team | Notable Fact |
| Bernhard & Jason Langer | Defending champions seeking 3-peat; 6-time PNC winners |
| Fred Couples & Hunter Hannemann | Major champion paired with stepson in surprising pairing |
| Stewart Cink & Connor Cink | Recent PGA Tour winner with championship experience |
| Jim Furyk & Tanner Furyk | Father-son duo featuring veteran tour professional |
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The PNC Championship uses a unique two-player scramble format where each pair tees off, then selects the better drive. Both players hit from that position, and the team chooses the better shot to continue. The non-pro partner must be a family member with no current touring professional status, emphasizing the family-oriented atmosphere.
Biggest Absence: Tiger Woods Sits Out Due to Achilles Surgery
For the first time in recent years, Tiger Woods confirmed his absence from this event. The legendary golfer underwent Achilles surgery approximately eight weeks ago and continues recovery, forcing him and son Charlie to miss the Orlando gathering. Tiger had been a marquee pairing in previous competitions, making his non-appearance a significant storyline.
“The PNC Championship provides the unique chance to see 20 Major Champions team up with a member of their family and play the game they truly love together.”
— PNC Championship Official, Tournament Statement
This opens opportunities for other champion pairings to claim the spotlight. John Daly returns with son John Daly II, David Duval partners with son Brady, and Padraig Harrington plays alongside son Paddy. The field represents one of golf’s most elite and diverse gatherings annually.
Television Coverage and How to Watch Tomorrow’s Action
Saturday’s Round 1 begins at 8:00 AM ET with coverage starting on Peacock from 1:00-2:30 PM ET, followed by NBC and Peacock from 2:30-6:00 PM ET. Sunday’s final round features similar extensive coverage with Golf Channel, Peacock, and NBC providing continuous access to the championship action.
A pro-am event takes place Friday, December 20, with public admission available. The championship culminates Sunday evening with the winning family team claiming the $200,000 first prize from the total $1.085 million purse. Fans can expect compelling family moments mixed with world-class golf competition.
Can Langer Claim an Unprecedented Third Straight Title in Orlando?
Bernhard Langer has dominated the PNC Championship landscape, becoming a six-time champion throughout his career. His partnership with Jason represents the event’s most formidable recent force, having captured back-to-back crowns and set tournament records along the way. Tomorrow’s action will reveal whether the dynamic can extend their reign or if fresh challengers emerge.
The field’s depth and experience suggest multiple competitive teams could contend through 36 holes. Without Tiger and Charlie Woods in the mix, the narrative shifts toward Langer’s pursuit of history and whether this year’s 20-team field can dethrone the defending champions when play begins tomorrow morning in Orlando.
Sources
- Golf Channel – PNC Championship 2025 teams, format and television coverage details
- PGA Tour Media – Official tournament information and purse breakdown
- USA Today Golfweek – Complete field lineup and Tiger Woods absence confirmation
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.