ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s not every day that a PGA Tour pro shows up to a tournament he isn’t competing in to watch another pro play. But that’s what Ian Poulter, winner of 17 professional tournaments including three Tour titles, did on Saturday.
The resident of nearby Lake Nona Golf Club brought his son, Joshua, to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club for one reason and one reason only: to let Joshua get a close-up look at Tiger Woods and his son Charlie. Apparently, Charlie was the bigger draw for young Joshua.
“A joy to meet Charlie Woods this morning at the PNC Championship,” Poulter tweeted. “Joshua has followed him with interest and looks up to Charlie just like we look up to Tiger Woods. This picture fills me with joy seeing our next generation grow to love this game. The future of golf is exciting.”
A joy to meet Charlie Woods this morning at @PNCchampionship
Joshua has followed him with interest & looks up to Charlie just like we look up to @TigerWoods . This picture fills me with joy seeing our next generation grow to love this game. The future of golf is exciting!pic.twitter.com/qKHGrqqpvS
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) December 18, 2021
The Poulters showed up at the course in time to see Team Woods warm up on the range for the first round of the team event. Ian shot a video of Tiger’s swing on his phone and waited for the right moment to say hello and give him a bro hug.
PNC: Tiger Woods, Charlie gallery | PNC photo gallery | How to watch
Father and son also walked the first three holes of the round watching Tiger and Charlie, and Justin and Mike Thomas from inside the ropes before ducking out.
Cool to see Poulter making the effort to ensure his son could have a memorable experience with both Tiger and Charlie. In short, another example of game respect game.
Ian Poulter is out here on the range to watch Tiger Woods with his son. #Respect pic.twitter.com/CGRhpgstrR
— Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) December 18, 2021