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.”
LIV stars put up ‘pillow fight’
Opportunities for the high-profile quartet to compete in the same field have been restricted by the PGA Tour banning LIV defectors.
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.
