PGA Tour golfer Bryson DeChambeau is renowned for his monster drives, but he was shown up by NFL star Tom Brady during an exhibition event.
The fourth edition of The Match teed off today with Phil Mickelson and Brady paired together to face DeChambeau and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, raising money for charity.
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412516342398283777
It follows the controversial inaugural event featuring Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in 2018 where the rivals faced off for $US9 million.
Since then the other two editions of The Match has included NFL great Peyton Manning, NBA legend Charles Barkley and NBA sharpshooter Stephen Curry.
Known for trash talk, big side bets, live commentary from mic'd up players and featuring special guest commentators, the unique event always catches the attention of sports fans.
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412537637651447808
Former US President Barack Obama was a special guest before tee-off this year, as was NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, signalling the star power The Match attracts.
At Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, 2,200 metres above sea level, DeChambeau showcased some of his trademark big-hitting style off the tee.
On one hole the 2020 US Open champion launched an unbelievable 439-metre drive that Mickelson described as "amazing" and said made him feel "defeated".
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412565401863528449
But the 2020 US Open champion was beaten on a 358-metre par 4 by Brady.
DeChambeau, 27, cut the corner to land his drive straight onto the green, only to have Brady hit his drive just as long and land it even closer to the pin.
"Wow, he might've hit it inside Bryson," commentators remarked on the 43-year-old's effort.
"I think he did!"
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412585349495197696
NFL MVP Rodgers and DeChambeau got the last laugh though, defeating Brady and Mickelson 3-and-2 in the matchplay event.
DeChambeau chipped in on the very first hole to give his team the lead early.
"Yes sir!" DeChambeau said before celebrating with Rodgers.
"That's what I'm talking about."
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412534980991885317
Despite trailing during The Match, World Golf Hall of Famer Mickelson and seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady were still hopeful of a comeback as they were 3-down with five holes to play.
"We got them right where we want them. The look in their eyes, they're so overconfident," Brady said with a smirk.
Rodgers then sunk a clutch birdie on the 16th at The Reserve to claim victory.
"I haven't played a lot of golf [recently]. I'm just a pretty good putter," Rodgers said.
As NFC rivals with Brady at Tampa Bay and Rodgers in Green Bay, The Match was poised to have some spicy exchanges between the NFL veterans, but the pair seemed to just have fun, with some very light-hearted trash-talk.
They even played a bit of catch while talking shop on quarterbacking in the NFL.
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412575070317203463https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412526990716854272
Rodgers did not shed light on speculation about his NFL future either, as his contract negotiations with the Packers are ongoing.
"I don't know, we'll see," Rodgers said as commentators tried to get a scoop.
"I'm just having a good time here with Tom. I'm trying to talk to him whether he's going to keep playing."
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1412576399655804929
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.