One Match’ Mixed Format Explained: Ft. Rory McIlroy, Lexi Thompson, ….

Scheduled for February 26, Capital One’s ‘The Match‘ unveils an innovative format showcasing golf luminaries Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang. Hosted at the newly renovated ‘The Park‘ municipal golf course in West Palm Beach, which opened its doors in April 2023, this live event offers a captivating 12-hole competition set against the backdrop of illuminated night play.

The innovative format promises an exciting blend of talent and spectacle, showcasing golf in a vibrant and unconventional setting. This event, sponsored by Capital One, seeks to engage viewers with an electrifying golf experience, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional game in the dynamic backdrop of a reimagined course.

The 9th edition of Capital One’s ‘The Match’ introduced a groundbreaking mixed skins format for its inaugural event. In this unique competition, each hole holds a predetermined value dedicated to charity. The four participating golfers–Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang–will tee off from the same set of tees on the four par-3 holes, ensuring a level playing field.

However, to add an extra layer of challenge and diversity, the remaining eight holes will involve varying tee boxes and yardages tailored for both male and female participants. The golfer who accumulates the highest amount for charity by the end of the event claims victory. But what about each participant’s credentials?

Well, Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champion, stands out as the sole participant with prior experience in “The Match”. Meanwhile, Max Homa boasts an impressive career with six victories on the PGA Tour, contributing to the event’s competitive lineup.

Lexi Thompson, an 11-time winner on the LPGA Tour, brings her wealth of experience. She has also participated in a PGA tour event previously when she played in the Shriners Children’s Open last year. Rose Zhang, fresh off a remarkable rookie season, made history as the first player since 1951 (Beverly Hanson) to secure a victory in her LPGA debut.

Unlike the seven editions in 2022, where Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy faced Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, “The Match 8” introduced a new twist. It showcased two teams of professional athletes who were also longtime teammates, marking a departure from the celebrity-athlete setup of “Match 7”.

The eighth edition of “The Match” happened last year and featured two teams: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce against Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. It took place at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas and followed a scramble format.