As the winter chill begins to grip much of the country, the sunlit greens of the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, serve as a backdrop to the PNC Championship, a unique golf tournament that has long celebrated family bonds through the sport. This event, traditionally known for its father-and-son teams comprising PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions professionals, has evolved to include a more diverse lineup, featuring daughters and LPGA Tour members, enriching the competition with new dynamics and broader appeal.
This week, the golf world turns its eyes towards two of the sport’s most illustrious figures, Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, as they compete not only against the field but alongside their family members in this celebrated team-play event.
Nelly Korda: A Season of Triumphs
Nelly Korda, currently topping the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and a seven-time winner in 2024, is making headlines again at the PNC Championship. Competing alongside her father, Petr, this marks Nelly’s third appearance at the event. Their partnership, which began in 2020, has seen a steady ascent in the ranks, reflecting a growing synergy between the father-daughter duo.
Earlier this year, Korda’s prowess on the course was unmistakable as she joined the elite ranks of Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam by winning five consecutive tournaments. Her historic run began with a major victory at The Chevron Championship in April and saw her claiming her sixth title at the Mizuho Americas Open. By November, Korda clinched her seventh win of the season at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, underscoring a year of exceptional achievements that also included the prestigious Rolex ANNIKA Major Award and the Rolex Player of the Year title.
Annika Sorenstam and Will McGee: Strengthening Bonds Through Golf
Annika Sorenstam, a pioneer in the PNC Championship’s inclusion of female competitors, first made her mark in this event in 2019 alongside her father, Tom. This year, the spotlight also shines on her partnership with her son, Will McGee, making their third appearance together. Each tournament has seen Annika and Will improve their coordination and performance, signaling a promising contention for the title this year.
In a recent pre-tournament press conference, Sorenstam shared her enthusiasm, “It’s wonderful to be back. This is one of the highlights of the year. We’re so thankful to PNC for having us. It’s great to be here in Orlando, our hometown, and come in and play here with family and friends. We have a good time.” Will’s aspirations are clear as he aims to emulate his mother’s legendary status in golf, adding, “It’s a lot of fun. I look forward to this week every year. It’s like, I’m happy that it’s right here, but it’s also sad because in a few days, it’s already gone. We still have the weekend, so it will be fun.”
Looking Ahead
As the PNC Championship progresses, all eyes will be on these formidable teams. With players like Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam driving the narrative, the tournament not only highlights their incredible talents but also celebrates the unique familial connections that make this event so special. Fans and participants alike cherish this annual gathering, where competition and family joyfully intersect, making the PNC Championship a highlight of the sporting calendar.
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