Tiger vs. Phil: Is ‘The Match’ Worth Your Money?

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The two biggest heavyweights of their sport go head-to-head in Las Vegas on pay-per-view, but it isn’t boxing. It’s golf, and it’s Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson in a live match-play event with the winner getting $9 million.

Woods and Mickelson will duel against each other over 18 holes in The Match at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas on Black Friday, Nov. 23. While this event might not have the same appeal it would’ve had 10 years ago, Woods and Mickelson have a combined 19 major championships between them and remain golf’s biggest draws, even in the later stages of their careers.

“We’re going to have fun doing something that’s never been done before,” Woods told reporters in August after the event was announced.

Though there is precedent with made-for-TV golf events like the Showdown at Sherwood, the Battle at Bighorn and the Battle at the Bridges that aired on ABC from 1999-2005, The Match is made for the age of social media and online streaming. “I think it’s going to be fun for everyone. We’re in a different era than we were in those days. We’re able to showcase golf at a different time and on different platforms,” Woods says.

Adding a little more excitement to the match, Woods and Mickelson will make side bets and challenge each other on things like longest drive and closest to the pin. Money from their side bets will be donated to charity — so it’s not a total cash grab — and both players and their caddies will wear microphones to capture any trash talk or banter between shots.

In addition to televised pay-per-view ($19.99) on many pay TV providers, The Match will air live on Bleacher Report’s B/R Live premium streaming service. The broadcast begins at 2pm ET and tee-off is scheduled for 3pm ET.

 

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Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.