The Match: 4 other high-stakes contests that need to happen next
On the heels of the showdown at Shadow Creek Golf Course between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, one question remains: Who will face off in the next main event? A rematch between Tiger and Phil is certainly possible, but everyone now knows what they bring to the table.
Let's take a look at four other matches that need to happen.
Tiger vs. Rory
Rory McIlroy, the heir apparent to Tiger, versus his idol in the battle of video game covers. The Northern Irishman might not be fully living up to the lofty expectations placed on him as a teenager, but his career so far is impressive nonetheless.
Woods, although not the most interesting character from an entertainment standpoint, remains an essential element for drawing widespread audiences to future matches. And the promotional content for a Tiger-Rory match has already been produced thanks to Nike's "Ripple" ad from 2015.
That video alone tells the story of why this showdown should take place.
Spieth vs. Reed
This tilt might not be must-see television for the average sports fan, but it certainly would be for fans of American golf. The amount of history already built between Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed during their short careers is impressive, mainly stemming from a compelling Ryder Cup relationship. They were dominant as rookies while wearing the stars and stripes, but a falling out at the most recent Ryder Cup in Paris would supply the drama to make this match interesting.
Reed has an issue with Spieth, which was clear when he took an unnecessary dig at the 25-year-old after a ruling didn't go his way at Bay Hill this year.
This match would lack friendly and entertaining banter, but it would make up for that with its level of animosity and competitiveness.
Thomas, Fowler vs. Rahm, Rory
Changing the format of future matches to a team event would be incredible. Only following two mic'd-up players for an 18-hole match is difficult, as there was a lot of dead air and forced dialogue during Tiger vs. Phil.
Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler are fun and marketable personalities on the PGA Tour, and they're close friends. Putting them up against two of Europe's best young players in McIlroy and Jon Rahm would add a patriotic element to a match that would have no shortage of smack talk.
Johnson, Daly vs. Koepka, Perez
Would a Dustin Johnson-Brooks Koepka match be the most exciting in terms of on-course banter? Definitely not. But combining their talent with the electric personalities of John Daly and Pat Perez could make this match an all-timer.
It would be two of the most fitness-oriented golfers on Tour paired with two pals who couldn't care less about what they put in their bodies. Plus, these guys would have long-drive competitions on every hole. Maybe Daly and Perez could even get Johnson and Koepka to show a little personality themselves.