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After its long and somewhat haughty build-up, it was going to be hard for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s $9m match to live up to expectations. 

Even so, the extent to which it underwhelmed surprised most who tuned in – not least the duo’s fellow PGA Tour pros.

The anticipated drama, sledging and regular high stakes betting never really materialised at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas, with both players toiling to produce anything like their best golf and, likewise, seemingly reluctant to show off their personalities.

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It didn’t go unnoticed, either.

Rickie Fowler perhaps summed up the occasion by likening it to a “pillow fight”.

Former world No.1 Justin Thomas threw in a little dig of his own, too.

Jon Rahm, who took down Tiger in their singles match-up in the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, was equally bored.

Meanwhile, Graeme McDowell – the 2010 US Open champion – described the betting element as ‘awkward’, before agreeing to a follower’s scathing assessment of the event.

As for Thomas Bjorn, the man who masterminded Europe’s takedown of a USA side featuring both Tiger and Phil in France just last month, he summed up his feelings (and those of most viewers) with a single emoji.

We hear that, Thomas!

What did you make of ‘The Match’?

Did you watch Tiger vs Phil? Give us your verdict in our Comments section below.


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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