Charles Barkley’s back. But he’s the only returnee. There won’t be pros, either.
The golf’s being played over two days, too.
Those were among the quick takeaways from Thursday’s announcement of the 10th playing of the Match, which will be contested Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22 at Breakers West Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. As for what else you should know?
Let’s ask and answer nine pertinent questions.
1. So who’s all playing?
As noted, Barkley is, for the second time since he teamed with Phil Mickelson to play Peyton Manning and Steph Curry in 2020. Joining the NBA Hall of Famer this time are seven sports and entertainment celebrities — actor Bill Murray, perhaps best known among golf fans for his playing of greenskeeper Carl Spackler in the movie “Caddyshack;” actor Mark Wahlberg, who has an enviable backyard golf setup; hockey hall of famer Wayne Gretzky, who’s also the father-in-law of pro Dustin Johnson; comedian Nate Bargatze, the star of this recent golf skit on “Saturday Night Live;” swimmer Michael Phelps; baseball hall of famer Ken Griffey Jr.; and former basketball all-star Blake Griffin.
2. Wow, eight players. What’s the format?
On Thursday, Nov. 21, the team of Murray and Gretzky will play the team of Barkley and Griffey, and the team of Wahlberg and Phelps will play the team of Bargatze and Griffin in scramble matches. The winning pairings will then play singles matches on Friday, Nov. 22.
3. What are they playing for?
One million bucks.
4. Why no pros?
There are probably a few reasons. Celebrity golf has always been a thing, and YouTube golf is unquestionably ascending. Notably, the PGA Tour will be playing its final tournament of the year that week — the RSM Classic — though the bigger names will likely be sitting out.
5. Wait, wasn’t there another Match announced?
There was — but it won’t be using the Match branding, though it will be produced by the group that developed the Match. This match — lowercase — will pit PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler against LIV Golf stars Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, and it will be played on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
6. Speaking of LIV Golf, will the league have any participation in this Match?
Yes, through an on-course analyst. LIV’s Bubba Watson will be part of the broadcast team, and joining him will be analyst Trevor Immelman and announcers Ernie Johnson and Kathryn Tappen.
7. This will really be the 10th playing of the Match?
Yes, with the first one being played five years ago. Here’s a rundown:
Match one: Mickelson vs. Tiger Woods in 2019 (Our story can be found here.)
Match two: Woods and Manning vs. Mickelson and Tom Brady in 2020 (Story here.)
Match three: Mickelson and Barkley vs. Manning and Steph Curry in 2020 (Story here.)
Match four: DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers vs. Mickelson and Brady in 2021 (Story here.)
Match five: Koepka vs. DeChambeau in 2021. (Story here.)
Match six: Rodgers and Brady vs. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in 2022 (Story here.)
Match seven: Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth vs. Woods and McIlroy in 2022 (Story here.)
Match eight: Mahomes and Travis Kelce vs. Curry and Klay Thompson in 2023 (Story here.)
Match nine: McIlroy, Max Homa, Rose Zhang and Lexi Thompson (skins game) in 2024 (Story here.)
8. How can I watch this?
It will be shown in primetime on TNT and Max.
9. Should I watch this?
Up to you! The mood will be light, and it’s also televised golf.
But we get that celebrity golf may not be your thing.
