PGA Tour superstars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler showed their superiority against LIV Golf pair Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a floodlit exhibition billed by some as a grudge match between the rival factions.
With the PGA and LIV forming each side of golf’s so-called civil war, ‘The Showdown’ was a rare chance to see four of the world’s most recognisable golfers going head to head.
Played on a darkening and increasingly chilly evening in Las Vegas, with the stars wearing microphones for the benefit of an American television audience, there was the promise of a different form of golfing entertainment.
However, the one-sided nature of the contest – and a lack of consistent and insightful interaction between the players – meant there was not a whole deal to be left excited about.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, 35, and American world number one Scheffler, 28, never trailed in an 18-hole matchplay contest which mirrored the format of the Ryder Cup.
“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.”
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The four majors in men’s golf – the Masters, US Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship – are predominantly the arenas where PGA and LIV players can duel.
So the Showdown offered the chance to see four of the sport’s biggest names – who have a combined 13 major victories between them – go head-to-head in an innovative format.
The opening six holes were played as a better ball – where each player plays their own ball and the lowest score on each hole is used as the team score – with McIlroy and Scheffler clinching the winning point after just four played.
Foursomes followed on the next six holes, with each player in the team taking alternate shots. The PGA pair moved 2-0 ahead when McIlroy sunk a winning putt on the 12th.
Head-to-head singles – McIlroy taking on DeChambeau and Scheffler facing Koepka – were played over the final six holes.
Needing just a half to secure bragging rights, Scheffler tapped in a birdie putt on the 16th – going two up with two holes to play against Koepka – to earn the victory.
“It felt like it was a pillow fight from us,” DeChambeau said.
