PGA Tour-LIV Golf showdown to feature $10M crypto prize purse

PGA Tour-LIV Golf Showdown to Feature $10M Crypto Prize

Mark your calendars, golf fans, because December 17 is shaping up to be a day to remember. The highly anticipated PGA Tour-LIV Golf showdown is bringing together some of the biggest names in the sport for an 18-hole battle at the iconic Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. But what’s really turning heads? The jaw-dropping $10 million purse—paid entirely in cryptocurrency.

Yes, you read that right. According to a report from Front Office Sports, the newly named Crypto.com Showdown will feature a minimum $10 million prize pool, making it one of the richest events in golf outside of the majors and signature tournaments. For context, most PGA Tour events offer prize money in the $8 million to $9 million range, with winners typically pocketing over $1 million. This event, however, is taking things to a whole new level.

Who’s Playing?

The showdown will pit two of the PGA Tour’s finest—Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy—against two of LIV Golf’s biggest stars—Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. It’s a Ryder Cup-style event, featuring match-play rounds of four-ball, singles, and alternate shot. The action kicks off at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on TNT.

For fans of both tours, this is a dream matchup. Scheffler and McIlroy have been dominant forces on the PGA Tour, while Koepka and DeChambeau have made waves with LIV Golf. The rivalry between the two tours has been a hot topic in the golf world, and this event promises to add even more fuel to the fire.

Crypto Takes Center Stage

The prize money will be paid in CRO cryptocurrency, courtesy of the event’s sponsor, Crypto.com. While it’s unclear how the winnings will be divided between the winning and losing teams, one thing is certain: this is a groundbreaking moment for the sport. Crypto.com CMO Steve Kalifowitz told Front Office Sports that the players aren’t required to keep the cryptocurrency—they can sell or trade it if they choose. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already fascinating event.

For those unfamiliar with CRO, it’s the native cryptocurrency of the Crypto.com platform, which has been making waves in the sports world with high-profile sponsorships and partnerships. This event is yet another example of how cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly intertwined with professional sports.

Big Money, Big Stakes

To put the $10 million purse into perspective, let’s take a look at some recent payouts in golf. In February, Rory McIlroy won $2.4 million after defeating Max Homa, Rose Zhang, and Lexi Thompson. And who could forget the first edition of “The Match” in 2018, when Phil Mickelson defeated Tiger Woods to take home the entire $9 million prize?

While the exact breakdown of the $10 million purse hasn’t been revealed, it’s safe to say that the stakes are higher than ever. This isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about making history.

Why This Matters

The PGA Tour-LIV Golf rivalry has been one of the most talked-about storylines in sports over the past year. With LIV Golf’s controversial emergence and its ability to lure top players away from the PGA Tour, the tension between the two organizations has been palpable. This event represents a rare opportunity for players from both tours to go head-to-head in a high-stakes, made-for-TV spectacle.

For fans, it’s a chance to see some of the best golfers in the world compete in a unique format. For the players, it’s an opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage—and potentially walk away with a life-changing payday.

What to Watch For

• The Format: The Ryder Cup-style format adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement. Will the PGA Tour duo of Scheffler and McIlroy have the edge, or will Koepka and DeChambeau’s LIV Golf chemistry prevail?
• The Crypto Factor: How will the players react to being paid in cryptocurrency? Will this set a precedent for future events?
• The Rivalry: With so much at stake, expect plenty of drama and intensity on the course.

One thing’s for sure: the Crypto.com Showdown is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or just tuning in for the spectacle, this is one event you won’t want to miss.