Bernhard Langer and his son left Tiger Woods and his son to make the final Sunday at the PNC Championship. Team Langer made a tap in putt to clinch the victory and the Woods team left the Daly City course empty-handed. It was not, however, a victory without a little controversy although the much criticized plan was supported.
In one of the holes Langer had a bunker shot, and it seemed as if there was some sand on the ground which Langer dropped the ball on. This elicited some criticism at the PNC Championship but it is scramble golf. This helped Langer to lift the golf ball higher than the top of the spoon and to escape the bunker with the driver rather than the wedge.
Woods’ former coach saw the pictures and videos of the incident and had his own question:
“Was that a clump that happened to be within a club length of his ball and no closer to the hole?”
There has been some outcry over this stroke and the overall victory for Langer and his son, but the PNC Championship did not penalize them and is not currently looking at rescinding their trophy.
Bernhard Langer reflects on clutch victory in PNC Championship.
Bernhard Langer knew that he and his son weren’t the fan favorites at the PNC Championship. After ousting Tiger Woods and his son, he addressed the crowd and acknowledged as much.
“I know most of you would’ve loved to have had Tiger here, and Charlie. I’m convinced they’re going to win this several times in the near future. They’re just too good. … It won’t take them long, I promise you that.”
Langer made the winning putt and reacted with utter joy. He said he considers this tournament the “fifth Major” because he loves it so much. He went on:
“I just love playing with my kids. … And I truly enjoyed playing with Tiger and Charlie. They are such wonderful competitors and great human-beings. It was fun to see the two of them out there together, and when Charlie made that hole-in-one, I’ve never seen Tiger happier.”
Even in victory, he spoke very highly of the Woods duo. Bernhard Langer and his son combined to shoot 28 under. That’s the same score Tiger Woods and his son had, and they entered a two-hole playoff that the Langers took home.
Langer eagled the 18th hole to secure victory, but the biggest highlight may have been Charlie Woods’ ace. Woods said of the overall final-round competition with the Langer team:
“It was awesome. No one made a mistake today. It was the most fun I’ve ever had.”
Both Team Woods and Team Langer left the field in the dust. They were five strokes ahead of the three teams tied for third.