McIlroy vs. Scheffler: Teams are set! Ryder Cup captains are in

Following the announcement of the show duel between the best golfers in the world at the moment, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, it is now clear who the two top stars will be competing with. The "Optum Golf Channel Games", which will take place on December 17 at the Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Florida, will not only feature a revolutionary format, but also two strategically cleverly put together teams of four.

The event, which will be broadcast live on US primetime on Golf Channel and USA Network, will center on a stroke play that combines classic golf with the elements of skill, strategy and time pressure.

These teams will compete in the Golf Channel Games

Captains McIlroy (world number two) and Scheffler (world number one) have deliberately put together their teams with a mixture of veterans and (relatively) new faces:

Team Rory (captain: Rory McIlroy)

McIlroy relies on the power of European experience. At his side are:

• Shane Lowry: The 2019 Open Champion is considered one of McIlroy's closest friends on Tour and guarantees strong chemistry.
• Luke Donald: A top-class signing. The current and two-time winning European Ryder Cup captain brings strategic knowledge and leadership quality to the team.
• Haotong Li: The DP World Tour winner and the team's "wild card" who can provide moments of surprise.

Team Scottie (captain: Scottie Scheffler)

Scheffler counters with his longtime confidant and a future American leader:

• Sam Burns: a five-time PGA Tour winner and Scheffler's best friend. The two have already formed a successful duo in various team competitions.
• Keegan Bradley: The 2011 PGA Champion is a fixture in the USA and was recently named US Ryder Cup captain for 2025.
• Luke Clanton: The former amateur world number one is regarded as a rising star and takes on the role of the second "wild card".

Revolutionary format: an end to counting play

The "Golf Channel Games" are deliberately designed as an alternative to the traditional counting game. The format is fast, dynamic and presents players with completely new challenges. It is inspired by All-Star games and combines familiar elements with new time limits.

The teams compete in five specific, entertaining challenges:

1. Timed Drive Competition: a head-to-head duel in which players have two minutes to hit drives with maximum precision into a defined scoring grid.
2. Timed Short Game Competition: A precision challenge in which chipping and putting from different positions must be completed within just three minutes.
3. 14-Club Challenge: Two players from each team must take it in turns to hit from a single bag - each of the 14 clubs may only be used once. The goal is a nearest-to-the-pin duel.
4. Timed Shootout: A highly strategic four-way alternate shot over three or four holes in which the team members are strategically distributed around the course. The best round in the shortest time wins.
5. Captains' Challenge: The final and direct duel between the captains: Rory McIlroy against Scottie Scheffler. They hit from different positions (Bunker, Greenside, Putt) and the player with the lowest cumulative distance to the flag decides the overall winner.

"A brand new way to experience golf"

The top stars expressed their enthusiasm for the innovative approach. Rory McIlroy emphasized that the games offer a "fresh approach to golf" that gives players the opportunity to showcase their skills in "unique challenges".

Scottie Scheffler shared this anticipation: "The 'Golf Channel Games' will be a great mix of skill, strategy and pressure. This will be a brand new way for players and fans to experience the sport of golf."

With the announcement of the teams, the groundwork has been laid for a spectacular and entertaining golf event in December, which should provide all the action in the post-season.