Team Scheffler narrowly defeats Rory McIlroy’s squad in Golf Channel Games
Scottie Scheffler eclipsed Rory McIlroy in a play-off to win the inaugural Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Florida.
The unique event pitted the world number one and his team of Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns and Luke Clacton against Masters champion McIlroy and his team of Luke Donald, Shane Lowry and Haotong Li in a series of challenges – including a relay and timed drive competition.
The American team picked up the first two points with wins in the driving and short game events, before McIlroy’s squad hit back with victory in the team relay.
The fourth event saw Clanton star in the 14-club challenge to put the Americans up 3-1, but a bonus-point win in the final closest-to-the-pin challenge drew McIlroy’s squad level and forced a play-off.
McIlroy and Scheffler squared off again to determine the victor, with Scheffler dropping his shot from 47 yards an inch closer to the hole than his opponent to claim a narrow victory for the Americans.
McIlroy is the favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Thursday in Manchester.
The 36-year-old enjoyed two great victories in 2025. At the Masters, he emerged from a dramatic play-off against Justin Rose to become only the sixth man to complete a grand slam of golf’s four majors. Then at the Ryder Cup he contributed three and a half points to Europe’s dramatic victory over the USA.
Nominees include Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, Lando Norris, Luke Littler and Ellie Kildunne.