Golf fans won’t have to wait until the Masters to witness a showdown between U.S. Open rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. This December, McIlroy and DeChambeau will be part of a high-profile, made-for-TV match that also features two other major champions—Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.
According to Golfweek, McIlroy will partner with Scheffler to face DeChambeau and Koepka in the latest edition of “The Match,” set to take place at a Las Vegas course. The event, which will be broadcast on TNT, is expected to be another exciting installment in the popular series that brings together some of the biggest names in golf.
What makes this event particularly intriguing is the fact that DeChambeau and Koepka are currently competing for LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed tour that has caused a rift in the professional golf world. Since LIV Golf players are not allowed to participate in PGA Tour events, matchups like this are rare, usually only taking place during the four major championships. This December event offers fans a unique opportunity to see some of the best players from both tours compete outside of the major tournaments. It also comes amid ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which funds LIV Golf, about a potential deal.
The upcoming match will feature players who have collectively won 13 major championships. According to Golfweek, TNT, the network that has aired several previous editions of “The Match,” will handle the broadcast. While the details are still under wraps, the network is expected to officially announce the event soon.
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McIlroy expressed his excitement about the event in an interview with Golfweek. “I’m thrilled to partner with Scottie in what promises to be an exciting duel against Bryson and Brooks in Vegas this December,” 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.”
Though the PGA Tour has not yet commented publicly, it would need to approve the event through an official media release. Once confirmed, this matchup will be one of the most anticipated golfing events outside of the major championships, offering a rare chance to see top players from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf go head-to-head.
Scottie Scheffler, who has had a remarkable year on the PGA Tour, won the Masters in April and captured the FedEx Cup in August, further cementing his status as one of the game’s elite players. McIlroy, despite not winning a major in 2024, had an impressive season with three global victories and remains one of the sport’s biggest stars. DeChambeau, on the other hand, triumphed in a thrilling U.S. Open battle against McIlroy, with a dramatic final day that saw McIlroy bogey the last hole, while DeChambeau executed a clutch up-and-down from a bunker to seal his second U.S. Open title.
Koepka, who had a relatively quiet 2024, winning two LIV Golf events but not contending in any majors, remains a force to be reckoned with. The five-time major champion has a history of thriving in high-pressure situations, and his competitive fire will undoubtedly be on display in this showdown.
The players are expected to receive compensation for their participation, though it is unclear whether the event will include prize money or a charitable component, which has been a feature of previous iterations of “The Match.” Regardless, fans can look forward to an entertaining event that blends competition with the relaxed atmosphere that has made these made-for-TV matches so popular.
For golf enthusiasts, this December clash promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the talents of four major champions and offering a glimpse of the game’s future as players from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf share the spotlight.
