GOLF

Tiger and Mickelson Set for US$9m Match Play Showdown

8 years ago - Sportingbase

The two best golfers from the game changing 00’s generation of golf are primed for an unprecedented one-on-one showdown in November.

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have agreed to a showdown being billed as ‘The Match’ over the American Thanks Giving Weekend (22/11) at Shadow Creek Golf Club, Las Vegas. The official format hasn’t been released yet but it is expected to be played under match play rules.

And what just is at stake in order to draw two of golf’s biggest names in direct competition? A whopping $9 million US dollars!

Most other major golf tournaments around the world carry a similar purse but for a 2-player match play event this is unrivaled.

“It’s a ridiculous amount of money. No matter how much you have, this amount will take both of us out of our comfort zone”, said Phil Mickelson when questioned about the stakes.

In a first for golf, ‘The Match’ will be a pay-per-view event that will be expected to draw similar purchase earnings to major boxing and UFC events held around the world.

When interviewed before the official announcement Woods hinted that this could be the first of numerous match-play events.

“We’re going to have fun, we’re going to do something that’s never been done before in the game of golf. With the different media platforms out there we can do things like this now. There’s plans to do this one and more”, said Woods.

As part of the event, both Woods and ‘Lefty’ will have the opportunity to make side bets during the match. These could include long drive and closest to the pin. Each golfer has selected charities that will receive winnings throughout the day.

HBO Sports has purchased the right to capture all the excitement leading up to the match.