News
Mickelson and Woods place $200,000 side bet, Phil explains why the event is PPV
The $9 million jackpot that is on the line for Woods and Mickelson this Friday for their showdown at Shadow Creek isn’t going to hold either man back in placing extravagant wagers against each other, as we saw on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference that involved both men, Mickelson began the kidology by laying down an early challenge against Woods, stating how “I’m willing to risk $100,000 that says I birdie the first hole. So that’s how good I feel heading into this match.” Lefty then stressed that Woods didn’t have to take the bet if it made him uncomfortable to do so before the 14-time major champion calmly responded: “Double it.”
Just like that, we have a $200,000 wager on the very first hole.
Mickelson then teased the idea of a seven-figure side bet, before revealing the psychological effect that the enormous sums of cash that are on the line will have on their match on Friday and the reason why it was necessary for the occasion to be a PPV event.
“This event is designed to be a unique experience for the golf viewer and to have an insight into what goes on with the players to create a production from drone coverage to on-screen gambling, to live mics and interaction. It’s an insight into the game which you’re normally not able to see.
It’s why it’s on pay-per-view, because we had to eliminate the commercials to have that insight in-between the shots. We don’t have the history of a Masters or a major championship, which is why the (prize figure) had to be so high because that creates an uncomfortable environment for us and creates pressure.”
The move to charge $19.99 to watch the match between the two golfing superstars has been criticized by some. However, the addition of exuberant side-bets, all of which will be coming out of the two players pockets, has generated a buzz that is unique for golf.
Nobody knows just how deep Mickelson or Woods will dig into their pockets for a side-bet during Friday’s winner-take-all battle in Las Vegas. But after Tuesday’s scene, a seven-figure sized wager between the two may well be on the cards.
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News
Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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ziggy
Nov 22, 2018 at 7:23 pm
I will take your bets (maximum $20 USD)…. odds…. Tiger 6:5 …… Phil 5:6 ….. choose yer poison suckers… 😛
Speedy
Nov 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm
Interest must be lower than desired. Cage-fight marketing scam to increase audience.
2putttom
Nov 21, 2018 at 11:45 am
“Shank” voters no able to shell out 19.99 for PPV.
Retired Cart Boy
Nov 21, 2018 at 10:22 am
I’d be much more inclined to pay for something like this if they setup the money in a much different way. Have both players put up a million or so for the winner-take-all portion of the purse. Then split the proceeds of the Pay-Per-View proceeds going towards charities that the players choose – maybe 2/3 to the winner’s choice and 1/3 to the loser’s choice. Do something similar with the side bets – maybe earmark a portion for the charities. That would make this seem much less like a money grab.
steve
Nov 21, 2018 at 12:43 pm
So you want the network to air it for free? Or do you prefer commercials?
Scheiss
Nov 21, 2018 at 9:43 am
It would have been way more interesting to bring back the Skins Game with big money
Johnny Penso
Nov 22, 2018 at 12:29 am
Yup. Skins game. Two sets of nine on two different nights over 2 hours. Put it on network TV. Let the players make all the side bets they want on individual shots and/or holes. “I’ll bet $50K I get within 20 feet of the hole with this 8 iron” etc. Let corporate sponsors put up prize money for charity that rolls over just like the skins. Really want to spice it up? Have live fan betting on the side bets. Boom.