3 key differences between The Match ‘Superstars’ and ‘Showdown’ explored ft. Players and prize
Two new editions of the Match are going to take place in the 2024 golf fall season, The Match 'Superstar' at the West Country Club on November 21 and 22 and The Match 'Showdown' at Shadow Creek, Las Vegas, on December 17.
While both these editions will be broadcast on TNT, there are three major differences between the two events.
3 key differences between The Match 'Superstar' and The Match 'Showdown'
Earlier this year, in February, The Match IX took place in West Palm Beach, Florida. In that event, Rory McIlroy won with 10-2-0-0. Two more editions of The Match are scheduled and here's a list of the differences in format, prize money, and other factors in both events:
#1. Players constituting the field
'The Match: Superstar' will have no professional golfers but celebrities from entertainment, baseball, swimming, and more in the field. Here's the field of the event:
Ken Griffey Jr.
Michael Phelps
Charles Barkley
Mark Wahlberg
Bill Murray
Nate Bargatze
Wayne Gretzky
Blake Griffin
Charles Barkley and Ken Griffet Jr. will play against Bill Murray and Wayne Gretzky in the first round. On the other hand, Mark Wahlberg and Michael Phelps will go against Nate Bargatze and Blake Griffin.
'The Match: Showdown' will be between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf since a pair of two top-tier players from each league will participate in the competition. The PGA Tour will be represented by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy and the LIV Golf side will have Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy even shared his thoughts on the upcoming event, via KTNV.com:
“We all want to see more of the best golfers in the world going head-to-head, battling it out on the back nine of a tournament…At a time where the professional game has felt divided, we believe this event can bring fans an incredible day of entertainment.”
#2. Difference in prize money
The winner of The Match 'Superstar' will receive a whopping payout of $1 million, whereas The Match 'Showdown' will credit no payout to the winning duo. However, the participants will receive $4 million for showing up at The Match 'Showdown', via TalkSport.
#3. Difference in formats
The first round of The Match 'Superstar' will begin as a 2 vs 2 scramble for four pairs over 12 holes. The second round will have semifinals and finals in an individual match-play system.
The Match 'Showdown' will be played via match-play over 18 holes. A duo will go against the other on each hole and the winner of that hole will get the point. This will be a single-day event.