ORLANDO, Florida – Padraig Harrington is playing in the PNC Championship for the third time and loves the idea of relating to his son, Patrick, and exposing him to the game in which he has excelled as a professional.
He also enjoys checking out the various golf changes of legends and amateurs alike. Three caught the eye this week: Gary Player, Lee Trevino and Charlie Woods.
Yes, they are two 80-year-old Hall of Famers and the son of eleven-year-old Tiger Woods, who is the youngest player to compete in the event that begins Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.
“What I find interesting: I think Tiger became a professional slightly before me or at the same time as me,” Harrington said Friday after a pro-am round. “This is the first tournament I’ve played in which Tiger Woods plays because he’s not the star of the show.
“He should take that into account himself. He’s not the star of the show this week. And that’s very important between the players and the pros. We’re all down the line and everyone stops to see Charlie.” by the way, Tiger. The buzz that has been created is amazing “.
Last month there was considerable surprise when Woods announced he would play the event reserved for the grand champions and a family member.
Charlie Woods has proven to be the most important player, with a golf swing that incredibly resembles his famous father, who has won 15 major titles. Tiger Woods has repeatedly said he simply wants his son to “enjoy” the game. During two pro-am appearances, Charlie showed many promises.
Harrington, 49, is the captain of the European team in the Ryder Cup, the biennial competition that was postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Winner of 31 world tournaments, including three major championships, he had his share of battles with the Old Woods over the years.
But he is intrigued by what is happening with Charlie Woods.
“For me, I’ve seen three golf changes this week,” Harrington said. “Three people I’ve really stopped to watch. Gary Player. Lee Trevino and Charlie Woods. I stop watching the kids. But three in particular take my time.
“Gary Player for me, at 85, it’s amazing how well he gets it. Lee Trevino is still a nice striker at 81. Wouldn’t you like to be like that? And on the contrary at the end of the ladder at 11 you have Charlie Woods and what’s left in front of him – it’s interesting.
“Put Tiger aside,” Harrington joked. “You’re no longer the story.”
Like his experience with 17-year-old Patrick, Harrington said the idea is to have fun and not worry too much about the results.
“Definitely the first two years you just wanted me to give it a good shot,” Harrington said. “I remember the first year he threw a beautiful throw at 13 and turned it backwards. He hit it with a stone. And they showed it on TV. That’s the key. They showed it on TV. It was a exceptional feature, but was issued.
“It’s not about showing the bad traits. We’re here to have fun. They do a good job. No matter how much the kids are under pressure, it’s not that bad in terms of format. Tournament, there’s a bit of pressure. But if it’s not, it’s really a nice week. “
Tiger and Charlie Woods leave at 11:48 am ET along with Justin Thomas and his father, Mike.