Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau & Brooks Koepka unite for a photoshoot

Ahead of their much-awaited 'Showdown', Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka got together for Golf Digest's latest cover page. In an issue aptly titled, "Why can't we be friends", the players from rival leagues posed in their golf attire against a green backdrop.

'The Showdown' will take place on December 17th, 2024 at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. The primetime event will be broadcast live from 6pm ET on TNT and streamed on Max. Touted to be the PGA Tour vs LIV Golf battle royale, it is the perfect way to seal the 2024 season.

While 'The Showdown' is following the legacy of celebrity exhibition contests like 'The Match' or Netflix Cup, it will vary in the format. While the other made-for-TV matches featured 12 holes, Showdown will have an 18-hole match play.

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will take on Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. The winning team will receive a multi-million prize from Crypto.com, who is the official title sponsor of the event. Bubba Watson will make his debut as on-field correspondant alongside Lauren Jbara.

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"When we see each other on tour or at Majors, we’re in our little world" - Scottie Scheffler during Golf Digest's latest interview

Scottie Scheffler (Source: Imagn)

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka have been spending a lot of time together given their film project and promotional work for upcoming 'The Showdown'.

The other times these golfers from rival tours have met each other on a course is during the Majors. According to Scheffler, meeting the other three without the competitive pressure has been a pleasant experience as he told Golf Digest:

"When we see each other on tour or at majors, we’re in our little world, our little bubble. Here, you’re just cutting up, hanging out pretty much the whole time. It’s always fun getting to know guys in a more relaxed environment. That’s what’s fun about the team events."

While celebrity competitions are not uncommon, the true driving factor for the hype around 'The Showdown' is the long-standing animosity that these players represent. Although the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are currently negotiating a peace deal, the two leagues have been at loggerheads ever since the inception of the latter in 2022.

Rory McIlroy has been a part of 'The Match' editions before, but he recognised that 'The Showdown' has a different feel about it.

"There is a bit more buzz because of what’s happened in golf the last two years. It’s more competitive and doesn’t feel as gimmicky," McIlroy said.

However, it is important to note that the four golfers are not officially representing their leagues.