Woods Defeats Mickelson "This Time Wins by 1 Hole" (Comprehensive)

Woods-Manning vs Mickelson-Brady '2-on-2 Match' Raises 24.8 Billion Won for COVID-19 Relief Fund

Tiger Woods is waiting for his tee shot turn on the 10th hole during 'The Match' game. Herbie Sound (Florida, USA) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Team Woods won."

The story of 'The Match: Champions for Charity,' where 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods clashed with Phil Mickelson (both from the USA) on the 25th (Korean time) at the Medalist Golf Club (par 72) in Hobe Sound, Florida, USA. With the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) causing the suspension of professional golf tours worldwide, golf fans' attention was even more focused, and it added special significance by raising a whopping $20 million (24.8 billion KRW) for the COVID-19 relief fund.

Woods and Mickelson previously held the event 'Capital One The Match: Tiger vs Phil' in November 2018 at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Mickelson won after a fierce battle that extended to the fourth hole of the playoff, taking home the entire $9 million prize. This was effectively the 'Match of the Century Part 2.' This year, NFL stars Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (both from the USA) joined in. Woods and Manning teamed up, while Mickelson paired with Brady.

Woods and Manning won by '1 hole difference.' They took the lead by winning holes 3, 4, and 6 in the front nine holes of foursomes (where two players each play and the better score is chosen). Mickelson and Brady fought back in the back nine holes of modified foursomes (each player tees off, then the better ball is selected, and the two teammates alternate shots thereafter), but only managed to recover two holes, 11 and 14. The last four holes were tied.

Tiger Woods is reading Peyton Manning's putting line on the 17th hole during 'The Match' game. Herbie Sound, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Herbie Sound

Due to bad weather, the match was delayed for nearly an hour, with heavy rain showers continuing. However, Woods and Mickelson created a cheerful atmosphere dressed in shorts and engaged in real-time conversations with the commentators via microphone. They added fun for viewers with various 'trash talks.' This term means deliberately using harsh expressions to break the opponent's spirit in sports games.

Brady was the first victim, showing early struggles. Basketball star Charles Barkley (USA) offered, "If you hit the green on the 4th hole (par 3) tee shot, I will donate $50,000," but when Brady failed to get 'on the green,' Barkley teased, "I should have said I’d donate if you just get it on Earth, not the green." Brady restored some pride with a chip shot birdie on the 7th hole (par 4), but became a laughing stock again when his pants ripped at the back while retrieving the ball.

The verbal duel between Woods and Mickelson was also a hot topic. On the 5th hole (par 4), played as a 'one club challenge' using only one club, Mickelson asked Woods to mark his ball before his third shot. Woods replied, "Should I mark it with a US Open medal?" This touched on Mickelson's pain of not achieving the 'Career Grand Slam' due to never winning the US Open. Mickelson retorted, "I have plenty of silver medals." It is unfortunate that he finished runner-up six times at the US Open.