Golf fans, are you ready for the ultimate battle in the golf world? Because, this December 17, a new chapter in golf’s made-for-TV rivalries begins. The latest update in the game of golf is building on the success of previously loved The Match where the likes of Phil Mikelson played in 2018. This new edition of the match, or you can say a replica, has golf’s biggest stars who are set to clash in The Showdown.
The Showdown is a Ryder Cup-inspired team competition where Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will face off against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka at Las Vegas’s Shadow Creek Golf Course. This event undoubtedly marks a fresh era in golf’s PGA Tour and LIV Golf showdowns, but is it different from ‘The Match?’ Well, yes, and we have gathered their similarities and discrepancies in detail!
Shared roots between ‘The Showdown’ and ‘The Match’
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The Showdown and The Match share several key similarities that showcase their common ground in the world of made-for-TV golf events. The Match and The Showdown are like a head and tails on a coin, so while their appearance may seem different, the approach and ground are all still the same. For instance, both follow a made-for-TV format and showcase renowned golfers in competition.
Which two golfers will Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler face off against in The Showdown at Shadow Creek Golf Course?
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods
Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka
Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson
Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler
USA Today via Reuters
May 19, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Bryson DeChambeau looks on from the ninth hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Clare Grant-USA TODAY Sports
To add more similarities, their broadcast partnership is the same as The Showdown gives exclusive coverage to TNT Sports. Moreover, both events transpired through the hands of the same person, Hollywood producer Bryan Zuriff. These shared elements provide more than just a solid foundation for duo events, covering fans’ emotions and what they are familiar with.
But that does not mean there are no differences because some things have certainly altered.
The key differences between ‘The Showdown’ and ‘The Match’
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The Showdown and The Match have their fair share of differences that set them apart. While The Showdown may not have any prize money, it definitely features a Ryder Cup-like competition with an 18-hole format. “This is more than money,” said Bryan Zuriff, the creator of The Showdown, per Front Office Sports.
“This is a lot of pride,” he continued, referring to The Showdown’s 18-hole format. He also said The Match had turned into ‘celebrity golf’ and the Showdown embraces the originality of the sport.
“The Match turned into celebrity golf… 12 holes is good for celebrity golf. This is 18 holes of real golf,” he said. Additionally, he also emphasized how the Showdown operates independently, which means it is outside the governance of the PGA Tour or LIV Golf and the golfers like DeChambeau and McIlroy are holding equity here.
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“We’re an independently operated event that’s not governed by either of these bodies. Talent rules in this world. You get big stars that want to do something and want to bring together the game of golf, I think that’s what it takes,” Zuriff stated.
He also acknowledges this event does not need any marketing as it ‘speaks for itself’. Golf fans are pumped for this upcoming event, so are you excited about his battle between the rival tours? Let us know in the comment section below!
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