The Match VII is set to be the biggest yet — with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy taking on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. We’re not sure it gets any better than that.
On Saturday, the four superstars will tee it up at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, for a 12-hole exhibition under the lights. Woods, who hasn’t played on the national stage since St. Andrews, withdrew from the Hero World Challenge last week due to plantar fasciitis. During a Zoom call with the media earlier this week, Woods confirmed he’s good to go.
Bryan Zuriff, who has an extensive background in Hollywood which includes executive producing the hit TV show “Ray Donovan” and movies like “War Dogs,” recently sat down with Golfweek to discuss what the future of the event could look like.
The Match: How to watch, format
When this edition was announced, Golf Channel’s Shane Bacon suggested the possibility of an undercard.
Considering the amount of eyeballs that will be on Tiger-Rory vs JT-Spieth, I’d love some undercard matches to precede the big show. Get some LPGA player involved. Get Tom Kim on with some other young international studs. Use the platform for honest golf growth!
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) November 4, 2022
It makes sense and would be an incredible way to grow all branches of the sport, but is it doable?
“Everything’s a consideration, but then it comes down to budget and price,” Zuriff said. “Everything sounds good until you put it on paper and look at what you get for that. It’s hard enough to do what we’re doing for the four people that we’re concentrating on, if we start adding other gimmicks that sound good in the press, but they’re not necessarily the easiest to execute on and I just want to execute a great product.
“Certainly looking to expand, just don’t know where that’s going to be yet.”
During the six previous installments, The Match has been held in Las Vegas, Florida, Arizona, and Big Sky, Montana. When asked if there are any other bucket-list locations on tap, Zuriff said it’s tough to beat Vegas.
“I still like the Wynn, I just love the Wynn,” he said with a smile. “I like how easy it is there from a production standpoint. I like the background of the strip with the golfers in the summer. But we’re open. I’d go anywhere. It’s all about producing and cost … are stars going to want to go there?
“It gets complicated when you get into the weeds of the details.”
In an interview with Golf.com, Zuriff spoke on Phil Mickelson’s future with his program (Mickelson participated in the first four installments).
“I love Phil and he’s been an incredible part of this. But he knows, you know,” Zuriff said. “He went where he went, and we’re connected with the PGA Tour. So I mean, this is a PGA Tour event … But that’s a choice that he made. He understands that when you make those choices, certain things get sacrificed. And this is one of the things that got sacrificed.”
Regarding Woods’ involvement this time around, Zuriff thinks the environment will be the perfect place for the 15-time major champion to make his return.
“I think the setting is really good for him — 12 holes, golf cart, he can just make some really cool shots. It’s been a really interesting year in golf so you’re going to get some really cool perspectives between Charley Barkley and him and our other golfers. I think there’s a lot to chew in this match.”
If you’re interested in watching The Match VII, coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET Saturday with “The Conversation,” a 30-minute roundtable discussion with the four participants hosted by Brian Anderson.
TNT officials have said that “no topic will be off-limits.”
