"Like a Ryder Cup"- PGAT vs. LIV matchup ft. Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler - Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka looking to be turned into a series
The match pitting PGA Tour's Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler against LIV Golf's Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau has generated much anticipation. The event will take place in Las Vegas in December.
However, all indications are that this is not just a one-off event, but the start of something bigger. Longtime producer of The Match and executive producer of the December event Bryan Zuriff told Golf Digest that they hope to turn it into a "series."
This was part of what Zuriff had to say:
"We're leaning towards making it more like a Ryder Cup to develop it into a series that's completely separate from The Match. This is intense, real golf."
The news of this tournament was announced by Eamon Lynch on Golfweek. So far, it is only known that it will take place in December and will be held in Las Vegas. It has also been said that the event will be televised on TNT.
However, all the players have confirmed their participation in the event. Rory McIlroy confirmed it himself to Golfweek, while Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau confirmed it through their representatives.
"I'm thrilled to partner with Scottie in what promises to be an exciting duel against Bryson and Brooks in Vegas this December," Rory McIlroy said.
"This isn’t just a contest between some of golf’s major champions; it’s an event designed to energize the fans. We’re all here to put on a great show and contribute to a goodwill event that brings the best together again."
What do Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka bring to the match?
The quartet who will participate in December's game are among the best golfers in the world today. All are coming off outstanding seasons in their respective leagues.
Scottie Scheffler had the best season of his career in 2024 with seven wins, including a major (the Masters). He capped his season by winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open and finished in the top 10 at the Masters and the PGA Championship. He has yet to win a LIV Golf event this season, but his game has been so consistent that he is ranked 9th in the season's individual rankings.
Rory McIlroy has expressed concerns about his level of play during the 2024 season. However, he has won two PGA Tour events and one DP World Tour event, in addition to a runner-up finish at the US Open.
Brooks Koepka also stated that he was unhappy with his game during the season as he did not have the best results in the major championships. Nevertheless, he has won two LIV Golf tournaments and is ranked 7th in the individual standings.
In addition to their season results, the four players who will face each other in the match have excellent sporting records. This makes them leaders in their respective circuits and in world golf in general.