Team Strange and Team Langer Lead at halfway point of PNC Father/Son Challenge
Two World Golf Hall Fame members and their sons are tied atop the leaderboard after one round of play at the PNC Father/Son Challenge.
Two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange (pictured above left) and his son, Tom (pictured below left), are joined by two-time Masters winner Bernhard Langer (pictured above right) and his son, Jason (pictured below right), at 10-under-par 62 at The Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Orlando Grande Lakes. The duo leads a field of 20 teams playing a two-day team scramble format.
Team Strange shot a bogey-free 62 that included a water-logged par-save from the greenside hazard on the 17th hole.
“Heck, (the water) was 12 inches deep there,” Curtis said. “Tom hit a great shot out of there. It wasn’t easy. Then I made a putt. You’ll make a lot of birdies in this format, but sooner or later you’ll have to make a par.”
Langer is joined this year by his 14-year-old son Jason after his daughter Christina withdrew due to back issues. Bernhard and Jason teamed up for a stress-free day carding 10 birdies and no bogies.
“[Jason] was called into action and he loves it,” said Bernhard. “He did great. I am very proud of him.”
NBC Sports analyst and World Golf Hall of Fame member Johnny Miller (pictured above left) and his son, Andy, are tied for third with three-time major winner Vijay Singh (pictured above right) and his son, Qass, at 9-under-par 63.
The PNC Father/Son Challenge, held for 15 years from 1995-2008, made a return in 2012 with new title sponsor, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Final round television coverage of the PNC Father/Son Challenge will air on NBC from 3-6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 14.
To qualify for the PNC Father/Son Challenge, participants must have won either a major championship or THE PLAYERS in their career. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of the golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen daughters and grandsons participate over the years.
More photographs from the event at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
