Tiger started The Match concept by going head-to-head with Phil Mickelson. The GOAT returns with first-timers Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy.
Can’t wait to play in Capital One’s: The Match with @McIlroyRory against @JustinThomas34 and @JordanSpieth to raise money for Hurricane Ian relief. See you boys under the lights on December 10th. pic.twitter.com/IdaVY6HGV8
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 7, 2022
The event will be held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida on Dec. 10 and will be played in the evening under lights. In Canada, different broadcasting options have been used for the event; it isn’t clear what company will broadcast the latest version of the made-for-TV offering.
This version of The Match will see the return of professional golfers after utilizing Las Vegas and NFL quarterbacks in the most recent showing. The previous version involved Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers battling young superstars Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for The Match)Woods last played in The Match in 2020, partnering with retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning against Mickelson and Tom Brady. Mickelson, who has since jumped to upstart LIV Golf, will likely not be a participant in the event any time soon.
Woods will be making a rare appearance playing in a competitive setting. Since his 2021 car accident, which led to questions about whether he’d ever return to professional golf, Woods has played in three majors, making the cut in two (and withdrawing at the PGA Championship after making the weekend), and missing the cut at the British Open.
Why this version of The Match is worth watching:
Tiger returns
Woods plays infrequently these days and it’ll be interesting to see the state of his game in a 12-hole match.
Rory’s on top
Having just recaptured the ranking as No. 1 in the world, McIlroy, the defending RBC Canadian Open champion, is playing some of the best golf of his life.
Buddies battle
All four players are known to be friends, meaning there should be an interesting camaraderie at the event, something that was lacking when Woods played Mickelson.
Silly season returns
Once upon a time, the PGA Tour’s off-season was dominated by made-for-TV events like the Skins Game, and players like Fred Couples. With the likelihood that the PGA Tour schedule is about to change going forward, outings like The Match could command interest going ahead in a time when there’s little tournament golf.
Business partners
Woods and McIlroy recently partnered on a new company called TGL that is creating an e-sports golf league with the PGA Tour. Numerous other sports superstars are investors in the business.
Four great golfers having fun ,sounds like a blast.