A rematch of “The Match”? Why not! LIV Golf Nation tweeted that there should be a PGA Tour vs LIV Golf match, where the Tour pros will tee off against LIV Golfers in an individual match. Quite predictably, and echoing the popular sentiment, Tiger Woods was paired with none other than Phil Mickelson.
Who else will tee off though? Among the bigwigs, Brooks Koepka will go against his compatriot, Scottie Scheffler, while Dustin Johnson will tee off against Xander Schauffele. While the LIV Golf-PGA Tour negotiations are on shaky grounds, the prospect of a high-profile match roused the fans and they gave a huge thumbs-up to the idea.
Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson can break broadcasting records
On the European side, the latest marquee signing, Jon Rahm will lock horns with Viktor Hovland. Interestingly, LIV Golf Nation also paired Greg Norman with Fred Couples! If the Tiger Woods and. Phil Mickelson duel happens, it will be a repeat of the famous “The Match” between the duo in 2018. It was more than just a golf battle between the two pros at that time. The $9 million winner-takes-all match was the precursor of the golf entertainment genre that Netflix capitalized on with the “Full Swing” docu-series.
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Interestingly, the seemingly impossible match-up ‘request’ comes amidst the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Jay Monahan earlier confirmed his “firm” stance on reaching a breakthrough before the December 31 deadline. However, Greg Norman’s move of snatching Jon Rahm, a PGA Tour loyalist, away from Monahan’s fold has added new layers to the merger story.
The PGA Tour commissioner is set to meet PIF governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan this week. Considering the ongoing negotiations for the $3B merger agreement, we are not sure what either party will think about the proposal. But the prospect of breaking the broadcasting record sure makes it a lucrative opportunity for both parties.
In 2018, two of the USA’s all-time greats teed off against each other at the Shadow Creek Golf Course. Phil Mickelson had the last laugh after in the 22nd sudden-death playoff hole as he went on to pocket the winner’s payout. They once again met in 2020 with Woods pairing up with NFL legend, Peyton Manning, and Mickelson paired up with Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback, Tom Brady. The 15x Major winner took his revenge at that time. The much-hyped tourney received 6.3M viewership at its peak. Naturally, irrespective of PIF or PGA Tour’s stance, fans are surely on board with the idea.
Fans come up with their own suggestions
If both tours agree to occasional celebrity events like this after the December 31 deadline, it would be great for golf. This fan believes it will help grow the game.
One fan feels Viktor Hovland will join the breakaway league eventually. Some even consider him to be the future Cleeks GC Captain.
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Some feel rather than an individual battle, a Ryder Cup-style team format would suit more. The LIV golf also has a team–play format, that this fan prefers.
Some appeared a little cynical about the prospect of the match. Nevertheless, they admitted it would be a spectacle.
There are rumors that Tyrrell Hatton is going to join Rahm in his new team. One user wants him to go against Rory McIlroy, instead of Patrick Reed.
What will be the venue if this happens? This X user thinks Bethpage Black, the Ryder Cup venue for 2025, will be the best course to host this.
If this happens it will definitely be a welcoming development after two years of legal battles and uncertainties. Are the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf listening?
