Advertisement

Rivals Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka to face off in November's The Match

Jason Owens
·Staff writer
·2-min read

They put their differences aside to help USA dominate Europe in last month's Ryder Cup.

Now it appears they can tolerate each other's extended company on the golf course. For 12 holes, at least.

This year's rendition of The Match will feature a one-on-on matchup between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, who are apparently on good enough terms to lend their golf games to the high-profile charity match that's approaching its fifth rendition.

They'll play 12 holes at Wynn Las Vegas that will be televised the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) on TNT, according to a press release on the PGA Tour website. Why 12 holes? Who knows? The random match length wasn't explained. But it should be plenty long enough for Koepka and DeChambeau to continue to riff off their well-publicized rivalry.

DeChambeau promoted the event on his Twitter account shortly after it was announced on Tuesday.

Koepka didn't immediately do the same. But he has previously celebrated the apparent softening of their rivalry, promoting charity gear featuring his and DeChambeau's smiling likenesses from the Ryder Cup.

This year's The Match returns to its original one-on-one format that featured longtime rivals Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in its initial 2018 offering. Mickelson won $9 million that day as the first rendition was billed as a high-stakes grudge match.

The event has since taken a charitable turn and featured pro athletes like Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady paired up with golf pros like Mickelson and DeChambeau in foursomes. November's will be the first rendition that doesn't feature Mickelson.

Bryson DeChambeau of team United States and Brooks Koepka of team United States attend the opening ceremony for the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 23, 2021 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
The Match is returning to its one-on-one rivalry roots with Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (Andrew Redington via Getty Images)

There was no mention of a cash prize in Tuesday's release, which touted the event's charitable leanings. Regardless, it makes sense for DeChambeau and Koepka to make the most of their grudge, especially since it appears to be thawing.

The major winners have traded public barbs for the better part of two years with the feud boiling over in May when Koepka lost his patience with his rival during a post-match interview that went viral.

But they were publicly cordial and even shared a hug during USA's 19-9 Ryder Cup win, which appeared to set the stage for their matchup in November.