Rumour: How much McIlroy, Koepka, DeChambeau and Scheffler will pocket at ‘The Showdown’

The Showdown: McIlroy, Koepka, DeChambeau, and Scheffler Set to Earn $4 Million Each

A highly anticipated PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf event, dubbed The Showdown, is set to take place later this year, with Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Scottie Scheffler reportedly earning $4 million each. The exhibition match will be held on December 17 at the prestigious Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas.

This 18-hole contest, which aims to bring together some of the best players from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, marks the latest in a series of exhibition matches designed to showcase top-tier talent. The venue, Shadow Creek, is no stranger to high-profile golf events, having hosted the inaugural edition of The Match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in 2018.

The Reported Payout

Golf reporter Dan Rapaport has claimed that each of the four golfers involved in The Showdown will receive $4 million. This figure is not prize money but rather an appearance fee, as reported by Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig. The reported payout equals the amount typically awarded to a winner of a LIV Golf event, underscoring the lucrative nature of this exhibition.

Interestingly, the $4 million each player is set to earn from this one-day event exceeds the prize money they earned for winning major tournaments this year. For example, Scottie Scheffler earned $3.6 million when he claimed his second Masters title in April, while Bryson DeChambeau pocketed the same amount for his U.S. Open victory. In comparison, Xander Schauffele won $3.33 million for his triumph at the PGA Championship, while another major winner collected $3 million at The Open.

Purpose and Fan Reactions

Rory McIlroy has emphasized that The Showdown is meant to provide fans with a unique opportunity to see top golfers face off in a more relaxed, entertainment-driven format. “We all want to see more of the best golfers in the world going head-to-head, battling it out on the back nine of a tournament,” McIlroy stated. He added that the event is about giving back to the fans during a time when professional golf remains divided between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

However, given the ongoing debates about money in the sport—particularly since the emergence of LIV Golf—some fans are likely to raise eyebrows at the significant appearance fees involved. For the past three years, the issue of finances has been a major point of contention among high-profile players.

Event Details

Where is The Showdown being played?

The event will take place at Shadow Creek Golf Course, one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. Owned by MGM International, Shadow Creek is renowned for its luxury and exclusivity, with green fees costing $1,250 per round for guests. Its reputation as a host for high-stakes, celebrity-driven matches makes it a fitting location for The Showdown.

When and what time will the event take place?

The Showdown is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17. While the exact time for the broadcast has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to air during primetime on the East Coast, making it a late-night event for UK viewers.

How can fans watch The Showdown?

The match will be broadcast on TNT, allowing golf enthusiasts from around the world to tune in for this unique clash of PGA Tour and LIV Golf stars.

Conclusion

The Showdown promises to be an exciting and lucrative event for both the players and the fans, offering an opportunity to see top-tier golfers come together in a one-of-a-kind exhibition. However, given the significant appearance fees and the ongoing debate surrounding money in professional golf, it’s likely the event will stir some controversy as well. For now, fans can look forward to a thrilling day of golf at one of the world’s most exclusive courses, with four of the sport’s biggest names going head-to-head.