Three teams with strong Colorado ties have won the nationally televised PNC Father/Son Challenge since it was first held in 1995, and a fourth victory is within reach this weekend.
Coloradans David Duval and stepson Nick Karavites (pictured) captured the title last year in Orlando, and are in the hunt after Saturday’s first round of this December’s 36-hole event.
Duval and Karavites used a 29 on the back nine to fire an 11-under-par 61 and share third place in the scramble format, trailing leaders Angel Cabrera and Angel Cabrera Jr., by two strokes. Duval eagled the 14th hole on Saturday.
Mark and Shaun O’Meara are in second place at 60.
“I’d imagine we have to break 60 tomorrow to have a chance to win, but hey, stranger things have happened. I’ve even done it myself,” Duval said, noting the 59 he shot to win the Bob Hope Classic in 1999.
The other pair with strong Colorado ties competing this weekend, Aspen resident Justin Leonard and dad Larry, opened with a 67.
The players with strong Colorado connections to have won the Father/Son Challenge are Craig and Kevin Stadler (2002), Hale and Steve Irwin (2003) and Duval and Karavites (2016).
To qualify for the Father/Son Challenge, players must have won either a major championship or The Players Championship in their careers. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card.
For all the scores from the Father/Son, CLICK HERE.
