Golf fans eager for more mixed-gender events will get their wish on February 26th when rising LPGA star Rose Zhang and longtime veteran Lexi Thompson face off against PGA Tour heavyweights Rory McIlroy and Max Homa in the latest edition of Capital One’s “The Match” featuring both male and female competitors.
The made-for-TV skins competition will take place under the lights at West Palm Beach’s newly renovated municipal course “The Park,” with simulcast coverage on TNT, truTV, HLN and Max beginning at 6:30 PM ET.
The broadcasting team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Trevor Immelman, Christina Kim and Kathryn Tappen will provide commentary, supplemented by DJ Khaled and NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette.
Unlike previous iterations pitting two-person teams in match play, this will be a 12-hole skins game with each hole carrying a designated charitable donation.
The four golfers will use the same tees on the four par-3 holes, while men and women will have separate tees and yardages on the other holes. After 12 holes, the player who has raised the most money through the skins format will be declared the winner.
Can’t wait to play the in next version of The Match under the lights at @theparkwestpalm with @McIlroyRory, @Lexi & @rosezhang! Great event for a great cause. Watch live February 26th at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT & @StreamOnMax! pic.twitter.com/5ruCbvkGwt
— max homa (@Maxhoma) January 23, 2024
While “The Match” has featured high-profile male athletes like NFL quarterbacks and NBA stars in its first eight installments, Zhang and Thompson will be the first women to participate.
World #2 McIlroy returns for his second appearance after falling in his debut last December, while Homa will be making his first showing.
The municipal Park course, formerly West Palm Beach Country Club, is itself a co-star, having hosted PGA Tour events in the 1950s and 60s before being renovated by renowned architect Gil Hanse. Its mission encompasses affordable golf instruction and community outreach initiatives for youth.
The broadcast will feature various challenges to be revealed later. Only eligible Capital One cardholders can purchase or redeem rewards for tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
