Over the last five years, The Match has featured everyone from Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson to stars from other sports such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Charles Barkley and Steph Curry.
With eight editions of the made-for-tv charity golf event now in the books – Curry and Golden State Warriors teammate Klay Thompson lost to the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl-winning tandem of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on Thursday night – we got to thinking … who should be next?
Check out who else we think would be fun to see in future versions of The Match.
Michael Jordan and Phil Mickelson vs. Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas
Spieth and Thomas are a combined 8-2-0 across the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup and won in their Match debut against Woods and McIlroy in December. They both are more than capable of talking a little smack, but what if they took on two of the best trash talkers of all time? I doubt we ever see His Airness in a Match, and Mickelson’s prospects took a hit after his move to LIV Golf, but if anyone can talk on the course, it’s those two.
A round with Jordan: ‘You better be able to stand up for the lip’
Jordan to Tour player: ‘That’s why you’re not playing the major this week’
Michelle Wie West and Justin Thomas vs. Danielle Kang and Jordan Spieth
It’s time to get some women involved in these matches. Wie West is getting more involved in golf media and could be a great Mickelson-esque player to help guide the discussion on the course. Kang drips personality on and off the course and could be a lot of fun with a live mic on a broadcast.
JT the matchmaker: How he linked Michelle Wie with Jerry West’s son
Michelle Wie got Justin Thomas an awesome pair of custom Nikes for the Presidents Cup https://t.co/KiHv8SRKcI pic.twitter.com/G7xqUm24zV
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) September 7, 2017
Pat McAfee and Aaron Rodgers vs. anyone, you choose
Every Tuesday during the football season, Rodgers joins the Pat McAfee Show for what has become a must-watch segment each week. The two have a great rapport, complement each other incredibly well and are guaranteed to put on a show no matter who is on the other team.
Sisters Korda Showdown
Jessica vs. Nelly: A family affair that’s sure to make holiday gatherings a bit more interesting at the Korda household.
No Laying Up vs. ForePlay
Okay so this one is a little different but it sure would be fun. Both popular golf podcasts feature a crew of amateur players with varying abilities and personalities. While Team No Laying Up may have the advantage in the talent department, Team ForePlay might be best suited for the Match conditions. Each boasts a strong and loyal following, making for a day that Golf Twitter and YouTube can only dream of (for now).
Tony Romo and Peyton Manning vs. Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady
Romo has tried his hand in pro golf and is clearly comfortable on a live mic given his current post as lead NFL analyst for CBS. The other three have played in the Match and been successful, especially Rodgers and Brady, who won the last all-quarterback duel in June 2022. Ratings and the golf itself will be better with professionals in the mix, but this group could carry a 12-hole broadcast with ease.
Paige Spiranac vs. John Daly
The night before their “Beauty and Beast” exhibition, Daly told event organizers that he wasn’t well enough to compete, leaving the event in limbo. They scrambled to add Jerry Kelly, but it’d be fun to revisit this match now that there’s a bit of a rivalry.
Max Homa and Joel Dahmen vs. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele
The ultimate buddies on Tour match. Sure, Cantlay and Xander lack a certain pop that moves the needle for an event like the Match, but the golf would be incredible, and Homa and Dahmen could cover their slack from an entertainment perspective. This might not be the best match, but Homa and Dahmen are due to be included.
