Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson Match To Include Brady And Manning

A repeat of 2018’s showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson is not only reportedly set for a May date, but, in an added twist, will also include NFL legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

The mooted rematch remains unconfirmed, but veteran golf journalist Robert Lusetich tweeted: “Hearing Tiger v Phil II might indeed be happening as a pay per view event but that the caveat is that each will have a partner. Two names being mentioned? Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.”

Shortly afterward, CNBC referenced “a person familiar with the negotiations”, who confirmed that AT&T’s WarnerMedia and the PGA Tour would host the event, that Mickelson and Brady would take on Woods and Manning, and that the coronavirus relief effort would benefit.

The source also suggested it would not be pay per view.

Lusetich later noted, in response to the question ‘Would this become the most gambled upon event in golf history?’: “I’d say gambling is what this is going to be about. Could be quite the rake.”

The first hints of the project were revealed on Twitter when Mickelson was asked about a replay. “Working on it,” he replied.

“Please don’t tease,” another follower pleaded. “”I don’t tease,” Mickelson responded. “I’m kinda a sure thing.”

The original head-to-head (“The Match”) was promoted as both a groundbreaking exercise and also a reprise of golf’s famous challenge matches of the past.

It was a $9 million winner-takes-all affair, with Mickelson and Woods, who were miked up, encouraged to indulge in smack talk and conduct a series of charity side bets, whilst the television coverage was advertised as revolutionary, including reporting by NBA star Charles Barkley.

Mickelson completed the victory, in dying light, on the fourth extra hole, at Shadow Creek GC in Las Vegas.

In truth, the enterprise was deemed less than a success, with the quality of the golf, smack talk and broadcast underwhelming, whilst the riches on offer to the two golfers left a sour taste in the mouth of many.

Should the rematch occur, that will, presumably, be an element of the contest which will be avoided at all cost.

However, even with a charitable aim, the exercise can expect criticism.

Sky Sports reported the news and tweeted it with the question: “Would you like to see them go head to head again?”

Steve Martin, Global CEO of M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment, responded: “No.”

Guardian golf correspondent Ewan Murray added: “If the last one looked crass…!” And: “I just think anything like this in the current climate would look poor. And I realise they’ll donate to charity etc but can do that anyway.”

Such views will be far from alone and a further issue may complicate plans.

On Sunday, the current social distancing guidelines in the U.S. were extended until April 30, but should those edicts be extended, by date or by precautionary measure, it could spell an end to the venture.