The much-anticipated PGA Tour-LIV Golf showdown, set for December 17, will see four of the sport’s biggest names compete for a prize purse worth at least $10 million in cryptocurrency. The event, officially named the Crypto.com Showdown, will take place at the prestigious Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, as reported by Front Office Sports.
The star-studded lineup includes PGA representatives Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy facing off against LIV Golf’s Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. The unique 18-hole contest will adopt a Ryder Cup-style format, featuring rounds of four-ball, singles, and alternate shot play.
According to the event’s sponsor, the multimillion-dollar purse will be distributed in CRO cryptocurrency, the native token of Crypto.com. However, specifics regarding the division of winnings between the winning and losing teams remain undisclosed.
The prize pool significantly surpasses the payouts of most PGA Tour events, which typically range from $8 million to $9 million, aside from majors and signature tournaments. Winners of standard PGA events often collect just over $1 million.
New Era for Golf and Cryptocurrency
Crypto.com Chief Marketing Officer Steve Kalifowitz explained that all participating players will need to register with Crypto.com to receive their winnings. However, they are not obligated to retain the cryptocurrency and can choose to sell or trade it at their discretion.
This event signals a groundbreaking collaboration between professional golf and the cryptocurrency industry. “The $10 million cryptocurrency purse is a game-changer,” Kalifowitz noted, highlighting the innovative nature of the partnership.
Echoes of Past Matchups
The Crypto.com Showdown follows the tradition of high-stakes golf events, reminiscent of the 2018 edition of “The Match,” where Phil Mickelson triumphed over Tiger Woods to claim a $9 million prize. More recently, in February, Rory McIlroy claimed $2.4 million after defeating Max Homa, Rose Zhang, and Lexi Thompson in a similar format.
This latest match, combining elite golfing talent with the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, promises to captivate both sports and crypto enthusiasts. With Shadow Creek’s stunning backdrop and a record-breaking prize purse, the December 17 showdown is set to make waves across both industries.
