The PGA TOUR’s Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy emerged victorious over LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in the inaugural edition of ‘The Showdown’.
Amid the ongoing tensions between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf in recent years, this landmark event drew significant anticipation. It marked the first time players from both tours competed together in a single tournament outside the majors and the Olympics, creating a historic moment for the sport.
However the event, which took place at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, saw Scheffler and McIlroy dominate the LIV Golf duo throughout as the pair never found themselves trailing in the 18-hole matchplay and only took them 14 holes to seal their win with a commanding display.
The opening six holes were played in a fourballs format where each player played their own ball, and the team’s score was determined by the lowest individual score on each hole. Scheffler and McIlroy secured the winning point after just four holes.
The following six holes were played in the foursomes format, with players alternating shots. Once again, the PGA TOUR duo claimed the winning point.
The final six holes were singles where a point was awarded for each. Scheffler took on Koepka and McIlroy took on DeChambeau. But Scheffler and McIlroy’s dominance continued with the event concluding on the 16th.
“We’re super happy to get the win. It’s a nice way to finish the year,” McIlroy said.
“Scottie and I got off to a pretty good start and then from there it was just about trying to keep the momentum.”
As a result, the PGA TOUR duo each earned $5 million in cryptocurrency, provided by the event’s sponsors, a prize that certainly perplexed the World No. 1.
“You know, I don’t know a whole lot about crypto, but this is some good motivation to do some research and figure out what is going on,” Scheffler stated.
Future
But what does this event signify for the future of golf? While merger talks between both factions are still ongoing, there’s a growing belief that ‘The Showdown’ between four of the sport’s biggest stars signals a shift towards collaboration between the two sides. Additionally, PIF governor Yassir Al-Rumayyan and PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan were spotted playing golf together at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in early October, further suggesting that relations are thawing. However, it remains uncertain whether a deal will ultimately be reached.