The PNC Championship has solidified its position as one of golf’s most anticipated seasonal events, masterfully blending competitive excellence with profound family connections. This unique tournament, originally established in 1995 as the PNC Father-Son Challenge, has progressively evolved to embrace contemporary family structures while maintaining its core celebration of sporting legacy across generations.
Held annually at Orlando’s Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Florida, the championship provides a refreshing departure from conventional tournament intensity. The 2025 edition featured twenty elite teams, each comprising a major champion or Players Championship winner partnered with a family member, creating a distinctive atmosphere of both competition and camaraderie.
The 2025 tournament witnessed a historic performance from Matt Kuchar and his son Cameron, who secured their inaugural PNC title with unprecedented dominance. Their remarkable rounds of 57 and 54 culminated in a record-shattering 33-under-par finish, eclipsing the previous tournament benchmark by five strokes and securing victory by a commanding seven-shot margin.
The scramble format, where both players drive before selecting the optimal ball position, fosters aggressive strategy and creative shot-making while prioritizing shared enjoyment. Davis Love III with son Dru and John Daly alongside John Daly II tied for second at 26-under, while Nelly Korda partnering with her tennis champion father Petr and Steve Stricker with daughter Izzi shared fourth position at 25-under.
Beyond the $200,000 championship prize from the $1.085 million purse, Kuchar’s victory carried profound emotional significance following the recent passing of his father, Peter. An emotionally overwhelmed Kuchar shared with Golf Channel: ‘Dad is missed. I know pops is giving big fist pumps up in the sky. This has been a family favorite event since we started—it brings people together and creates special memories.’
The championship field read like a hall of fame induction, featuring golfing luminaries including Annika Sörenstam, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, and the legendary Lee Trevino as the event’s eldest competitor. More than mere competition, the PNC Championship stands as golf’s ultimate demonstration of how elite sport can harmoniously coexist with familial bonds, inclusivity, and personal significance.