Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
Thomas has seen Charlie Woods grow up before his eyes, but the playful banter between the two has reached its peak.
Justin Thomas and his dad, Mike, are in the field this week for the PNC Championship. They previously took home the trophy in 2020. That year also marked the first time Tiger Woods and his son Charlie played in the event.
Thomas and Charlie have known each other for a long time. The two-time PGA Championship winner has watched the youngster grow up and has seen his game evolve.
From him playing in the Notah Begay III Invitational with his dad on the bag to winning a team state championship in high school, it’s been a big year for the Young Cat.
Thomas has recognized some changes to his game, which prompted him to drop this line that should excite golf fans everywhere
“He probably hits it farther than I do now,” Thomas said after his practice round Friday.
That’s obviously in jest, but still, Tiger Woods’ son just might make a mark of his own.
“It’s really cool. Charlie is starting to really — he’s always loved and been obsessed with the game, but he’s starting to develop those skills, and it’s impressive,” Thomas said. “He can do some great stuff with the ball.”
Despite Thomas openly recognizing the emergence of the young Woods’ game, that didn’t stop him from tossing a playful jab his way.
“He’s still, what, 14? He’s still a little punk kid and I like to give him a hard time,” said Thomas.
Charlie and Thomas love to aggravate each other. That first year in 2020, the young Woods trolled Thomas multiple times throughout the first round. He left a note in the bunker, and they teased each other the entire round. Everyone remembers Charlie walking in the putt and making the money symbol with his fingers towards Thomas.
Now that Charlie is 14, the shenanigans could be even wilder than they were in 2020. This group will be the one to watch, as there is no telling what kind of memories they’ll make this weekend.
Thomas and his dad are paired with Woods and Charlie for Round 1 of the 2023 PNC Championship. They begin their round at 8:22 a.m. ET. Fans can watch live on Peacock, beginning at 8:15 ET.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
