Tiger vs. Phil, COVID-19 edition?

[el_hefty]

This is interesting. Other than giving people some sports to watch, which would be great, I think this would also be great as a way of showcasing how golf can be played during periods of social distancing. I bet there would be some blow back in that regard though actually. Phil Mickelson 'working on' potential match with Tiger Woods

[UncleJohn’sBand]

Bring it on!

No dumb charity challenges, put up their own cash, make it a wide open 6800 yard birdie fest, mic them up and schedule it for April 12 at 3:00pm and behold the spectacle.

[cdnglf]

 

[bscinstnct]

I’d be surprised if TW does it. He prolly bunkered in some hermetically sealed room in his house eatin popsicles and on watch for Greg Norman.

 

I hear Patrick Reed is available though; )

 

 

[OldTomMorris]

The timing an optics of this would be horrible. Surely there are some smart people in their orbit that will tell them this would be massive PR own goal.

Regardless, the first match was a terrible spectacle, a complete waste of time.

Not surprised that its the two highest profile players who haven't backed the PGA Tour vs PGL.

[GSDriver]

Sure beats Valero Open re-runs.

[Hawkeye77]

Not seeing how them out goofing around on a course would inspire anyone, etc., so seems like an idea that could just die a quiet death. I wouldn't think they would seriously set up some $ venture. But a fun thing could be entertaining so I shouldn't rule it out - fine lines there to walk, though.

X100 on the PGL.

[DFS PFD]

If they do something it unfortunately won't be focused on the golf would be my guess. Too much infrastructure required to cover them the way we are used to, probably be more a banter session with a few shots being covered well.

[bscinstnct]

 

Good point. Everybody supposed to be inside.

 

But they could both play the same course on simulators!

 

Give the money to help the efforts.

[OldTomMorris]

The simulators work from a logistical point of view but as a spectacle I don't think it would be worthwhile at all. They're fun to use but to watch, even if the players are as great as these two, its not the same even more so if you are watching remotely.

Also the optics of a winners takes all $9M re-match right now would be super crass given the economic meltdown, too soon. I'm sure the vast majority of golf(sports) fans understand the economics of elite sports and are mostly OK with it but right now it be an awful look. The first "Match" got a lot of heat from some quarters, imagine if they did it in the current climate. I believe Woods and Mickelson would personally take a lot of criticism, surely their people can see that coming their direction.

Of course if they did do it as a charity event then that would definitely change things.

[bscinstnct]

 

 

Simulator! Better than nothin. They could charge like 10 bucks and give all the money to charity.

 

Have some pro athletes and celebs tweeting in to bust their chops on bad shots.

 

 

 

[cdnglf]

On a scale from “hawking ugly dress shirts” to “taking blood money from autocrat”, this is at least as dumb as “multimillionaire whining about his taxes”.

 

 

 

[OldTomMorris]

Phil talking about this on the day ANGC pledges $2M to fight the virus.

Also Phil still hasn't supported the PGA Tour and distanced himself for PGL. Despite playing it coy he definitely knows where the money is coming from but still crickets.

[the bishop]

P. Reed v. Cam Smith. And make sure to hold it someplace like Pinehurst #2.

[the bishop]

Is that you bsc? Cuz you swayin' off the ball!

[MattyO1984]

Awful, awful idea.

Here is a rich beyond his wildest dreams golfer with a broken body competing against another guy who rich beyond his wildest dreams and past it when it comes to top level golf playing against one another for yet more cash whilst the rest of the world is in or about to be on total lockdown and struggling to buy toilet roll, never mind keep a pay cheque coming in and a roof over their heads.

It’s not something that I would be prone to say ever but **** Tiger and **** Phil if either of them think this is a good idea. There is far more important things happening in the world

We are relatively lucky in the UK, things are not as bad here as they are in Italy or Spain but we won’t be far behind them. Exhibition Centres are being turned into temporary hospitals. Ice Rinks are being turned into temporary morgues. I would love to watch proper golf again. Some form of release from the 24 hour news cycle of doom and misery would be fantastic but this, this is a worse idea than Tiger chasing all that tail and Phil hitting the moving ball at the US Open in 2018.

[Christosterone]

I’d pay $500 to see best ball Nicklaus/Tiger v Watson/Phil

-Chris

[el_hefty]

I didn't for a second think they would do this for money. For themselves anyway. Maybe for $1, or maybe a beer. Or perhaps to decide whose Covid-19 charity of choice gets the donations that would come in from viewers via some text number or whatever. This would be a "friendly" and also lo-fi in terms of coverage that would be possible.

And actually I think the above has a chance to be a real PR winner. Yeah sure they're both past their primes I guess, but they're still the biggest names in golf and would draw in casual golf fans and even just general sports fans at this point. People are sports-starved. And moreover distraction-starved. Donations generated would go to charity. And golf gets a showcase as one of the only sports still playable right now and a chance to show the non-golf community this is true.

[bscinstnct]

 

Yeah, you’re right. Even if they did it for charity, it’s not time yet. But they should plan it for as soon as it seems the timing is good.

 

 

 

[Man_O_War]

if they do it for charity,...all good.

[PowderedToastMan]

How many people watch those terrible v-logs by 2 handicap YouTube pros? Hundreds of thousands, and it’s one camera.

I’m more than happy to watch Tiger and Phil do the same thing, while showing the world how to properly socially distance. I honestly think they could frame this thing like a USO Tour, giving some entertainment to people around the world so we can all forget about the world for a few hours.

Edit: also, it’s 2020-Tiger and Phil will get hammered by the media no matter what they do. They need to just decide what they think would help the world best and go for it.

[RobertPaulson]

Tone deaf. I'd prolly watch - shhh - don't tell

[rdangelo1077]

This was in the works prior to COVID-19, not sure its going to happen given the current circumstances. Was not going to be the same format as the original.

[llewol007]

I would do it if they didnt play for any money.

 

[getair23]

How do you practice safe social distancing with your caddy.

[Golfjack]

It's time to setup a virtual golf tour. They have those in Korea. Make it work! If they don't figure out the COVID cure this might be a reality.

[MattyO1984]

I would be completely on board with that. The timing of it just now would be horrific however, something to look forward to when this craziness has all began to calm down, then awesome I am in 100%.

[Ferguson]

 

Norman just sold a Joseph Kleitsch in oil at a private sale.

[BlackDiamondPar5]

Seriously funny BSC... Especially the PR mention :)

[RobertPaulson]

IBTL now...