News
The Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson $10 million match is set for Thanksgiving weekend
Just a day after Tiger Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, told ESPN “we are closer than we have been” to finalizing the $10 million winner-take-all money match between his client and Phil Mickelson, it looks like the deal is done.
According to ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, Tiger and Phil will square off at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas either Friday (Nov. 23) or Saturday (Nov. 24) of Thanksgiving weekend.
Woods and Mickelson played a nine-hole practice round Wednesday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Mickelson floated the idea of the match at The Players in May.
“The excitement that’s been going on around here, it gets me thinking: Why don’t we just bypass all the ancillary stuff of a tournament and just go head-to-head and just have kind of a high-stakes, winner-take-all match…Now, I don’t know if he wants a piece of me, but I just think it would be something that would be really fun for us to do, and I think there would be a lot of interest in it if we just went straight to the final round.”
Perhaps surprisingly/why the heck not, Woods responded with, “I’m definitely not against that. We’ll play for whatever makes him uncomfortable.”
With respect to just how uncomfortable, the pair will be competing for roughly one quarter of their annual pay. According to Forbes, Woods pocketed $43.3 million in on/off course earnings in 2018. Mickelson banked $41.3 million.
With everything falling into place, the only question now is who’s your money on, WRXers?
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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RocketBall
Sep 17, 2018 at 1:30 am
FANTASTIC idea. I’ll definitely watch it on PPV. My money is on Tiger. I say he smokes Phil 4 and 3.
Bank
Aug 21, 2018 at 8:26 am
this match is about 10 years too late. Lord who cares. a lot less than 10 years ago. I’m a decade older than these guys and I dont even want to see them. these guys dont need 10 million so its borderline aggravating. Theres nothing in this of interest. Make it a carry over skins game at least. An 8 million dollar hole i could watch- for a minute or two. As long as I had about 3 other screens going with actual entertainment. Match play is excruciatingly slow.
Speedy
Aug 21, 2018 at 1:45 pm
Right on, Bank. I’ll have no problem finding something else to do.
Tom
Aug 10, 2018 at 4:21 pm
It would be great if they had a TV channel that just showed and talked about Tiger 24/7….oh, they already do, but they call it the Golf Channel.
Sean
Aug 8, 2018 at 7:50 pm
This is the solution to the Tiger vs. Phil match:
http://www.therivalroast.com
Alan
Aug 4, 2018 at 4:04 pm
Bunch of bitter people making the negative comments today. Don’t like it don’t watch.
I’m sure you would rather hang out with drunk Uncle Ed Thanksgiving weekend.
Dixie doc
Aug 3, 2018 at 10:57 pm
I hope there’s a football game on that day. At least those teams will be playing for something.
Liberty Apples
Aug 3, 2018 at 9:36 pm
Does anyone really give a (fill in the blank)?
Dave
Aug 3, 2018 at 9:23 pm
” Really ” you go girls.
Steve M
Aug 3, 2018 at 5:54 pm
Not only are they not putting up any of their own money I bet they both ask for an appearance fee, so it won’t even be winner takes all
Tom
Aug 3, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Both from California how about donating that 10 million to California Public Golf courses so we will still have a few in 2019….
Jim McPherson
Aug 3, 2018 at 3:13 pm
I bet DJ would put up $10M of his own money to join in and make it a $20M winner take all.
But as the winners prize isn’t coming from either of them, it is meaningless and will suck. There will be no fight in it. My guess is it will be staged so it comes down to the wire, probably back and forth throughout the round and decided on the final hole. Bet on that!
Dtrain
Aug 3, 2018 at 2:03 pm
So even if Tiger loses it will be far from the worst Thanksgiving he’s had.
Rich
Aug 3, 2018 at 7:07 pm
Wins the internet today!
Regis
Aug 3, 2018 at 1:21 pm
As I sit here now I can say “No way I’ll watch it”. But I probably will. For how long? This will be hyperhyped like Riggs/King. My problem (if I do watch) is Who to root for (or more properly against). I can’t stand either of them. Like to see a prop bet. Over/under on photos of Tiger with his kids or Phil with lemonade stands
Curt
Aug 3, 2018 at 12:24 pm
It means absolute nothing if its NOT their own money to lose. I could care less about two guys playing for OPM.
Bob
Aug 3, 2018 at 1:36 pm
Totally agree
Roy
Aug 3, 2018 at 3:14 pm
But a bunch of people playing for OPM is interesting?? Or is the only event you watch all year the US Am??
Keith
Aug 3, 2018 at 12:16 pm
I live about 400 yards north of Shadow Creek in LV so I am intrigued. I wonder if it will be open to the public.
Steve Cantwell
Aug 3, 2018 at 11:35 am
I’d bet ( but not with my own money, of course) that this event will prove to be an uninspiring flop. Not to mention, horrible television as there will be too many commercials in between shots.
Ev
Aug 22, 2018 at 7:54 pm
No commercials. Ppv
G what
Aug 3, 2018 at 12:29 am
Make it $10MM if their own money
MT
Aug 2, 2018 at 11:06 pm
All the sticks in the mud complaining about this. Let them play and I for one will be watching. Hope the 10 million goes to a great charity like St Jude’s.
Waaa
Aug 2, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Most of the proceeds are going to charity.
ComeonPhil
Aug 2, 2018 at 3:17 pm
Usually when Phil fires off his mouth he misses the cut. It amazes me that Tiger with all his injuries and surgeries and limited playing time will still shoot lower scores than Phil. What amazes me about Phil is how inconsistent he is…..It is also surprising how many times Phil has choked despite having so many victories. I think that if you add just his second place finishes to his number of major victories he would have 15 majors. It is not only amazing that Phil is first in putting on tour this year, but also that he has only one win with that great putting and that when I watch him putt his putting still looks like it sucks.
Jason A
Aug 2, 2018 at 2:03 pm
bunch of salty old people in this comment area. i think this is great and is going to create a lot of buzz for golf.
Jamie
Aug 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm
It’s all freshly printed toilet paper backed by nothing but the cannon-fodder military.
Tyler Durden
Aug 2, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Great, an addict and a cheat playing for other people money. Must see tv.
Tartan Golf Travel
Aug 2, 2018 at 12:57 pm
They should have added 2 more players and brought back the old skins game. This sounds boring, May be would have been interesting when they were the best in the world but 2 guys head to head will make for boring golf.
toyzrx
Aug 2, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Lame. There are kids in many cities who don’t have food to eat and books to read.
Erik
Aug 2, 2018 at 1:44 pm
So feed them and house them
DANA POINT
Aug 3, 2018 at 2:28 am
Good point. We should shut down the entertainment and sports industries entirely until we rectify that situation. No movies, no music, no superbowls and playoffs…just stop it all until no one is hungry, because they’re obviously linked.
Moses
Aug 2, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Silly Season is back. Can we revive the Skins Game too.
dat
Aug 2, 2018 at 11:28 am
Who is bankrolling this?
Erik
Aug 2, 2018 at 1:45 pm
Well with Phil’s love of gambling , I would imagine they are
~j~
Aug 2, 2018 at 6:50 pm
Yeah right. Neither is putting up a dime that i know of. Lame. Anyone can wager with other people’s money. Let’s see Phil grip it and rip it with HIS $10mil on the line.
Kevin
Aug 2, 2018 at 11:23 am
unless they put their own money on the line, this is just a friendly game with the chance to win a lot of money. its like putting a bunch of money on black at the roulette table without having to actually bet any of your own money
PT
Aug 2, 2018 at 12:26 pm
No, it isn’t. Clearly.
Michael
Aug 2, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Agree. When I first heard this idea, I thought that’s what it would be, a high stakes gambling round on TV, and I was very excited. There’s zero drama unless they put up their own money. Bogus. I’m not interested.