Give me televised professional golf any day of the week and I’ll probably watch, especially on a course that I’ve only looked at through inebriated eyes. But the most recent installment of Capital One’s The Match fell flat. In a “made for tv” move the powers that be decided to make it a 12-hole match like a 12-round heavyweight bout. Cool, except for the fact that we already saw Brooks and Bryson laugh, hug, and ham it up at the Ryder Cup. If the schedule allowed it and there wasn’t a more important PGA Tour season taking place, this match would have been better if it had taken place 6 months ago; when we all thought they really hated each other. To say this relationship, or lack thereof, had lost its luster…is an understatement. I for one was over both of them.

However, like I stated before, I’ll watch pro golf over just about anything. And on a holiday weekend after a little online shopping, my couch and I were ready to go. Bryson was not. He admitted to not touching a club in 2 months. Shows you how important it was to him to really take it to his social media rival. If this little exhibition wasn’t important to him, why should it be important to us? Well Brooks spanked him with his new bag of Srixon sticks and it was over after 9 holes.

The bright spot of course was Charles Barkley. The known gambler and lover of Vegas had some great moments on commentary as expected. The duo continued to play the remaining 3 holes after the match concluded because they had some skill contests for charity remaining. On the 11^th hole Bryson was attempting +205 mph ball speed off his driver. His first 2 tee shots, both miss-hits, fell just short. Bryson said he’d throw 50k to charity if he hit the number on his 3^rd ball. Brooks matched. From the booth Sir Charles chimed in and said he had 25k on it. “That’s it?” responded Bryson. Chuck replied “Yeah, Nebraska scored a late touchdown and ruined my day.”

While Barkley shined, Phil Mickelson shunned. He simply talked too much. He had his moments with a couple back-n-forths with the players, but you have to pick and choose your moments. In the first couple holes, Mickelson actually talked through the players’ shots not knowing he could be heard in their earpiece. “I heard ya Phil, all through my routine and during the shot”, Bryson said sarcastically. Also, lose the aviators Maverick…you’re indoors.

Sure it’s easier to hug and kiss after a few celebratory cocktails while spanking the Europeans on the shores of Wisconsin at the Ryder Cup. But of the two competitors, Brooks made the most attempts to keep the rivalry authentic. There were a couple jabs between them during play, but Bryson threw out the most “nice shots” and pats on the back. I think the interest and excitement is heightened when you have 2-player teams with a pro paired with an athlete or celebrity. I’d even like to see a reboot similar to the old Wendy’s Three Tour Challenge. Give me 2 PGA Tour pros, 2 Champions Tour pros, and 2 from the LPGA. I want to see the contrast in the guys hitting an 8 iron from 200 yards vs. the ladies hitting a 4 hybrid. Something more of us can relate to.

Enjoy the game and each other,

Seth Zipay – Head Golf Professional