It was billed as a clash of giants, but in the end the “showdown” between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at Shadow Creek turned out to be a one-sided affair. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour) gave their opponents Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (LIV Golf) no chance and showed who currently has the upper hand in professional golf.
Rory McIlroy’s: A picture-book eagle putt
Scheffler and McIlroy made it clear from the very first minute that they had arrived as favorites. Rory McIlroy, who was on top form right from the start, provided the highlight of the evening with an eagle putt over 12 meters on the fourth hole. “Rory’s start was important for our team,” said Scheffler, praising his partner. This gave the PGA stars an unassailable lead early on.
Rory from way downtown for eagle! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sOHFDHqzja
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) December 18, 2024
Rusty and outclassed: LIV remains without a chance
DeChambeau and Koepka, who had not competed since the end of the LIV season in September, looked visibly rusty and were unable to counter the pressure from their opponents.
The format of the match was divided into three segments: a six-hole four-ball match, a six-hole four-ball match and singles matches over the last six holes. Despite the different formats, the LIV players were not in the lead in any of the matches. In the four-ball, they were already hopelessly behind after just four holes, and Koepka also sealed the loss of points in the foursome with a three-putt bogey on the last hole.
The singles matches on the last six holes finally decided the outcome: McIlroy and Scheffler won confidently, and the match ended on the 16th hole – before the spectators even got to see the famous par-3 17th hole at Shadow Creek.
DeChambeau, who wore an oversized jacket against the chilly evening air during the match, was nevertheless combative: “I’d love to get another opportunity,” said DeChambeau. “It was a bit of a pillow fight for us.”
Scheffler and McIlroy’s victory earned them 5 million dollars each in cryptocurrency and capped off a successful year for both players. Scheffler had previously won in the Bahamas, while McIlroy had won the European Tour final in Dubai.