What started as an entertainment match between Tiger and Phil, and to be honest wasn’t very good golf, had its latest incarnation yesterday.
The Match version 4 was between Phil and Bryson who were partnered by two NFL Quarterbacks, Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buchaneers and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
The venue was a star attraction, the sublimely visual Moonlight Basin Resort at Big Sky Montana. Charity was the big winner with several million meals donated to Feeding America and funds to My Brothers Keeper charity. President Obama appeared on the telecast.
All square after the first nine, Rodgers putter got hot with birdies at 10, 11 and 12. Mickelson and Brady got one back at 15 but Rodgers sank the winning 10 foot birdie on 16 to win 3 and 2.
Quote of the march came from Rodgers “Bryson, he’s a maniac man. The things he thinks about and talks about, it’s a bit overwhelming at times”. Indeed.
I stayed up until 1am for Match 1 which took place over a Thanksgiving weekend, and what I saw was some trash talk and some mediocre golf. Match 2 at the Medalist featured Tiger and Peyton Manning. By Match 3 I’d given up as there was only one pro, Phil, and three celebrities Charles Barkley, Steph Curry and Peyton Manning. It’s an entertainment vehicle that’s all American and it doesn’t really travel, though it has to be admired for the fantastic fund raising it does. And outfit of the tournament goes to Tom Brady as Forrest Gump.