Two of golf’s most dominant faces, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, are stepping into a new role this December, not as rivals in a major, but as captains in an offseason event.
The duo will make headlines at Golf Channel Games, an exhibition-style event set for Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 16: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, left, shakes hands with Scottie Scheffler of the United States on the 18th hole green after finishing the second round of the PGA Championship…
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 16: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, left, shakes hands with Scottie Scheffler of the United States on the 18th hole green after finishing the second round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 16, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
More
Getty Images
Unlike traditional 72-hole formats, this event ditches the scorecards and features a series of rapid-fire challenges designed to test precision, creativity, and speed. Each captain will lead a four-man team through four unique formats.
“The Golf Channel Games will be a great mix of skill, strategy, and pressure,” Scheffler stated, as quoted by CBS. “This will be a brand new way for the players and the fans to experience the game of golf. Everyone knows how competitive we are, and I think the Golf Channel Games will be an innovative competition that will engage the viewers. I’m excited to be a part of this.”
McIlroy echoed the sentiment, adding, “The Golf Channel Games bring a fresh approach to golf, inspired by events like the NFL Combine and all-star games from top professional leagues. They give players the chance to showcase their skills across unique challenges and offer fans a new way to enjoy the game in the postseason. I am looking forward to competing in this new, fun format.”
What is the event structure?
The event kicks off with a Timed Drive, Chip & Putt, where players race against the clock to hit a set yardage off the tee, chip within a target zone, and sink putts from designated distances.
Next comes the 14-Club Challenge, a head-to-head showdown where the two players share a single golf bag.
Each club can only be used once, forcing competitors to strike seven different shots using all 14 clubs.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 04: Rory McIlroy of Boston Common Golf warms up before their TGL presented by SoFi match against Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center on February 04, 2025 in…
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 04: Rory McIlroy of Boston Common Golf warms up before their TGL presented by SoFi match against Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center on February 04, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)
More
Getty Images
The third format, the Timed Shootout, introduces team strategy. Four players alternate shots across three holes, with teammates stationed at the tee, fairway, and green. The goal remains to end with the lowest score in the shortest time.
Last but not least, McIlroy and Scheffler will square off in the Captain’s Challenge.
Each will hit shots from 100 yards, 50 yards, a bunker, greenside, and attempt putts from 50 feet and 10 feet. The captain with the lowest total proximity to the hole wins.
The event, set to air live on Golf Channel and USA Network, the Golf Channel Games promises a fresh, fan-friendly twist on competitive golf.
More Golf: Sergio Garcia Breaks Down After Ryder Cup Snub, Withdraws From Irish Open
