Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler triumphed over Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka at The Golf Showdown in Las Vegas. The groundbreaking event featured $10 million (£7.9m) in cryptocurrency as the prize money. It marked the first time PGA Tour and LIV Golf stars competed outside majors and the Olympics.
The match took place at Shadow Creek Golf Course, a luxurious venue known for its stunning design. Fans eagerly anticipated this historic face-off between golf’s two biggest tours. For McIlroy and Scheffler, the stakes were high, but their teamwork and skill proved unbeatable.
The format included six-hole fourballs, six-hole foursomes, and singles matches over the final six holes. The PGA duo dominated, never trailing at any point. With 2.5 points needed for victory, the final match wasn’t even completed. McIlroy and Scheffler clinched the win in just 14 holes.
McIlroy set the tone early with a 40-foot eagle putt on the par-five fourth hole. DeChambeau missed his eagle attempt, handing momentum to the PGA side. “Rory getting off to a great start was big for our team,” Scheffler commented.
In the foursomes, DeChambeau’s long birdie putt on the final hole went awry. Koepka’s missed follow-up handed another point to McIlroy and Scheffler. By the singles matches, the PGA pair were untouchable, sealing the contest before fans could see Shadow Creek’s signature 17th hole.

Why The Golf Showdown Was a High-Profile Event
The Showdown wasn’t just about the golf; it was a cultural moment. Featuring PGA Tour icons McIlroy and Scheffler against LIV Golf stars DeChambeau and Koepka, it captured global attention. This was the first crossover event between the two tours since the LIV Golf split in 2022.
The rivalry added intrigue, with fans of both tours cheering passionately for their favourites. DeChambeau and Koepka, who had defected to LIV Golf, faced scrutiny for their performances. Meanwhile, McIlroy and Scheffler represented the PGA Tour with poise and dominance.
The event’s massive cryptocurrency prize also drew interest from beyond the golfing world. As LIV Golf and the PGA Tour remain in delicate negotiations, The Showdown showcased the players’ desire to unify the sport.
Low TV Viewing Figures
Despite its high profile, The Showdown struggled to attract television viewers. The event was broadcast only in the United States and was unavailable to UK audiences. Originally, organisers hoped UK viewers could watch via the TNT Sports network, but the broadcaster chose not to bid for the rights.
The low US viewing figures were partly blamed on the $79.99 Pay Per View fee. Many fans felt the cost was too high, limiting the event’s accessibility. The decision to restrict global broadcast options may have further reduced its reach.
Scheffler’s Humorous Take on Cryptocurrency
Winning $5 million in cryptocurrency was a new experience for Scheffler. Known for his calm demeanour, he brought humour to the moment. “I don’t know much about crypto,” Scheffler joked. “But with $10 million on the line, I’ll learn quickly!”
His light-hearted comment resonated with fans, adding to the feel-good atmosphere of the event. The financial windfall capped a stellar year for Scheffler, who had already earned over $62 million.
The Road to The Showdown
DeChambeau and Koepka struggled with form, having played sparingly since the LIV season ended in September. Koepka’s last appearance was in October at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. McIlroy and Scheffler, by contrast, were fresh off recent victories.
The match reflected these disparities. McIlroy and Scheffler’s sharpness and synergy overwhelmed their opponents. DeChambeau admitted, “It was a bit of a pillow fight for us. I’d love another opportunity.”

Costs for McIlroy and Scheffler to Play
Reports suggest McIlroy and Scheffler paid substantial fees to the PGA to participate in The Showdown. Sources claim the pair paid close to $1 million each to secure the necessary permissions. The payments highlight the strict regulations governing player appearances in unsanctioned events.
Despite the hefty costs, both players felt the opportunity to compete in The Showdown was worth it. McIlroy noted that the event was as much about uniting the sport as it was about winning.
A Step Towards Unity?
The Showdown’s success hinted at what could be achieved through collaboration between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Some believe it could pave the way for a Ryder Cup-style competition between the tours.
“Ideally, the goal is to get golf back together,” Scheffler said before the event. The players’ camaraderie signalled hope for a thaw in the ongoing rift.

What’s Next for Golf?
Negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s Saudi backers continue, with no deadline in sight. The June 2023 framework agreement proposed a $1 billion Saudi investment to unify the sport. However, progress has been slow, leaving players and fans in limbo.
McIlroy suggested the players’ initiative could inspire future collaborations. “We took this into our own hands to give back to fans and show we’re trying,” he said.
As golf’s fractured world looks for resolution, The Showdown offered a glimmer of hope. It wasn’t just a competition; it was a statement.