PGA Tour vs LIV Golf match: Everything we know as McIlroy and Scheffler tackle Koepka and DeChambeau

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will take on Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

A LIV Golf v PGA Tour golf match is finally happening with the clash set for December in Las Vegas… and they’re trying to copy elements from the Ryder Cup!

After two years of waiting, we’re finally going to get the PGA Tour and LIV Golf showdown.

As first reported by Golfweek, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have agreed to face off against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a Ryder Cup-style match in Las Vegas.

The contest, which is set to take place on December 17, will be shown live on TNT, which has previous when it comes to showcasing prime-time exhibition matches.

They’ve broadcasted the last nine editions of The Match, which launched in 2018 when Phil Mickelson beat Tiger Woods and walked away $9 million richer. McIlroy, Koepka and DeChambeau have all featured in previous versions of The Match, though we understand producers are planning to launch a new series under a new brand name.

This is what we know so far…

Who is representing the PGA Tour and LIV Golf in The Match?

Rory and Scheffler will be flying the flag for the PGA Tour, while Bryson and Brooks are set to team up for the first time, having previously competed against each other three years ago in Las Vegas. Both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have declined to comment on the event, though Rory did confirm his participation ahead of the Irish Open.

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“We wanted to do something that, I guess, all golf fans could get excited about,” he said. “It’s a way to show golf fans in the world that this is what could happen or these are the possibilities going forward.

“I’ve been saying this for a long time, I think golf and golf fans deserve to see us together more than four times a year. That’s what we’ve tried to do. I think we all thought it was a good idea and something that hopefully is a sign of things to come in the future.”

Camps representing the other three players have also confirmed their involvement.

When and where in Las Vegas will The Match take place?

Our sources have confirmed to us that The Match will take place on December 17, though the course has yet to be confirmed. The Wynn Golf Club would be an obvious choice as it has hosted three previous editions of The Match before. It also staged the inaugural Netflix Cup, which brought together stars from Drive to Survive and Full Swing to promote the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

How does The Match format work?

We’re going off hearsay, but Bryan Zuriff, an Executive Producer of the last Match event, told Golf Digest that they’re looking to replicate aspects of the Ryder Cup. He also hinted at incorporating elements of fourball, foursomes and singles which should pique a lot of interest.

How much money is on the line in The Match?

Nowhere near as much as all four players are used to, but then they hardly need the cash and this is about either uniting the game or gaining the bragging rights for the players’ respective tours. Golfweek claim that will each will receive an appearance fee, but will not compete for any prize money.

How long has the PGA Tour vs LIV Golf match been in the works?

Zuriff first approached McIlroy about the idea in January. The timing of the event is particularly interesting as both sides have been locked in negotiations since a framework agreement was announced on June 6, 2023.

PGA Tour Chief Executive Jay Monahan confirmed in the build-up to the Tour Championship that talks are still continuing, but offered few clues about how much progress has been made.

“I’m not going to negotiate details in public or disclose details or specifics,” he told us. “All I can say is that conversations continue, and they’re productive.

“We have the right people at the table with the right mindset. I see that in all of these conversations, and that’s both sides. That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together. But at the same time, these conversations are complex. They’re going to take time. They have taken time, and they will continue to take time.”

Who is likely to win the PGA Tour vs LIV Golf match?

Have you seen Scottie’s Scheffler’s record this season? He’s already up to eight wins, which is as many as Brooks, Bryson and Rory combined. However, his record in team events is less than perfect (he’s collected 1.5 points in his last eight Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup matches) and Brooks and Bryson are supposedly on good terms now after their high-profile spat several years ago.

There’s a good chance they’ll bring their LIV Golf teammates along for the ride too, which could make for an interesting atmosphere under the bright lights in Las Vegas.

How can I watch the PGA Tour vs LIV Golf match?

It appears the action will be shown live on TNT, which has previous experience in hosting these kinds of exhibitions!

Can I get tickets?

As it stands there’s been no information about whether spectators will be allowed on site or, if so, how many will be able to attend, when tickets will go on sale, or how much they will cost. Based on previous exhibitions, we’d expect fans to be able to watch the action live in Vegas so keep checking back for more info.

About the author

Michael Catling – Features Editor

Michael Catling is an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with the game’s biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Martin Slumbers and Justin Thomas.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on X.