Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau & Brooks Koepka’s 'Showdown' turns out a flop, pulling a measly 625,000 viewers

'The Showdown' featuring Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau was one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. However, the viewership has been extremely underwhelming, according to ratings.

'The Showdown' was broadcast by TNT and TBS on Tuesday, December 17th 2024. It was heavily promoted over the past few months, with Golf Digest even giving the four golfers a cover story. It was touted to be the ultimate PGA Tour vs LIV Golf faceoff, with the poster boys of both leagues being pitted against each other.

Although, the exhibition contest followed 'The Match' series in spirit, the former boasted of a different format. The 18-hole match play was conducted in sessions, with the first four holes played in fourball, the next in foursomes and final six holes in singles.

The placement of the event on the broadcast schedule could have also attracted the holiday audience just before the barrage of Christmas movies hit the screens. Despite the promotions, star players, and unique format of play, 'The Showdown' couldn't pull massive numbers in viewership.

'The Showdown' reported a measly 625,000 in ratings, which is only above the lowest rated 'The Match' edition in the entire series. The ninth edition of 'The Match' was the lowest viewed, featuring Kansas City Chiefs footballers, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Golden State Warriors basketballers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Critics also widely panned Bryson DeChambeau's behaviour during 'The Showdown' as he removed his earpiece restricting the live broadcast from covering the action up close.

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"It was just weird" - Fred Couples on 'The Showdown'

Fred Couples (Source: Imagn)

Legendary golfer Fred Couples is currently in action at the PNC Championship. He gave his opinion on 'The Showdown' from Florida.

Although, the US golfer chimed in when the event had already reached the fifth hole, he did not have a high opinion of the event. He said (via Golf.com):

"It was just weird"

Couples also found the conditions unsuitable to host such a big event.

"It was pitch dark and freezing. Now, I don’t know why they would do that, to play a match that big (in such challenging conditions)."

Many fans and critics alike have opined that the weather was one of the big reasons for the golfers losing some precious yardage of carry. Bryson DeChambeau even donned a puffy snow jacket, which became one of the most memorable moments of the night.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler took an early lead, winning the first session of fourballs with ease. The PGA Tour team won five holes and tied on one. The duo eventually went on to secure a landslide win over DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.