This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
On Sunday, May 24, 2020, the golf world witnessed an unforgettable match at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. The highly anticipated rematch between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, two years after their lackluster head-to-head contest in 2018, was saved by the unexpected contributions of NFL legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
Brady, in particular, stole the show with his dismal start, which left even the usually stoic Charles Barkley, a guest TV analyst, in stitches. In one 30-minute stretch, Brady managed to hit consecutive tee shots into the woods, a pond, and on a cart path next to the out of bounds. His disgust was palpable, and Twitter followers from outside New England couldn't get enough of their taunts.
However, Brady's fortunes changed dramatically when he hit a wedge shot from over 100 yards in the seventh fairway, which bounced onto the green and rolled backward into the hole. This incredible shot not only gave the Brady-Mickelson team a much-needed boost but also earned him a $100,000 donation from Brooks Koepka, who had wagered on Brady paring a hole on the front nine.
As the match went down to the wire, Woods and Manning's partnership proved to be the decisive factor. With Brady's comeback and Manning's solid play, the competition grew close, and the banter between the participants became genuinely biting and funny. In the end, Woods and Manning emerged victorious, winning 1-up on the final hole.
The event was a major television ratings success, providing over four hours of entertaining live sports. It was a testament to the enduring appeal of golf and the excitement of watching top athletes compete at the highest level.
