The Skins Game Is Back: A Modern Twist on a Golf Classic
Golf fans, get ready to mark your calendars because a beloved tradition is making a comeback! A modern version of The Skins Game is set to return during Thanksgiving week, and it’s already creating a buzz in the golf world. Pro Shop, a new golf media company led by Chad Mumm, the executive producer of the hit Netflix docuseries “Full Swing,” announced on Thursday that it has struck a deal with the PGA Tour to revive this iconic event. The Skins Game will officially tee off on Black Friday in 2025, bringing a fresh twist to a classic format that once captivated fans for decades.
A Blast from the Past
For those unfamiliar, The Skins Game was a staple of golf’s so-called “silly season.” It first debuted in 1983, featuring legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Gary Player. Held over Thanksgiving weekend in the California desert, the event was a unique, casual competition where players vied for “skins.” A “skin” was awarded to the golfer who won a hole outright, with prize money increasing as the match progressed. The format was simple, yet thrilling, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
One of the most memorable figures in Skins Game history was Fred Couples, who earned nearly $4.5 million across 11 appearances. His laid-back personality and knack for clutch performances made him the face of the event. Even the occasional participation of Tiger Woods couldn’t sustain the event’s popularity, though, and interest began to wane. The Skins Game was last held in 2008, and after losing its title sponsor, the 2009 edition was canceled. By then, the PGA Tour had shifted to a wraparound season, leaving little room for off-season exhibitions.
A New Era for The Skins Game
Fast forward to 2024, and the revival of The Skins Game is being spearheaded by Pro Shop, a company that’s all about reimagining golf for a younger, more modern audience. Chad Mumm, along with Mark Olsen of Vox Media, Joe Purzycki of Puck, and David Miller from the PGA Tour, launched Pro Shop with a vision to blend media, commerce, and entertainment. The company has already raised nearly $20 million in funding from Powerhouse Capital, the PGA Tour, and EP Golf Ventures, among others. They’ve also acquired Skratch, a digital and social media network created by the PGA Tour about a decade ago to engage younger fans.
“Reimagining an iconic event like The Skins Game in a retro-modern way that engages today’s sports fans is exactly why the PGA Tour has partnered with Pro Shop,” said Chris Wandell, the senior vice president of media for the PGA Tour. “We look forward to seeing how the newest iteration of the Skins Game unfolds as Pro Shop and Propagate identify cast, format, and creative approach.”
What We Know So Far
While the announcement has sparked excitement, many details are still up in the air. Here’s what we know so far:
- Date: The Skins Game will take place on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, in 2025.
- Format: The event will retain its classic “skins” format, but with a modern twist to appeal to today’s audience.
- Players: The roster of participants has yet to be announced, but fans are hoping for a mix of established stars and rising talents.
- Location: The venue is still to be determined, but it’s likely to be a high-profile course that adds to the event’s prestige.
- Prize Money: The purse and individual hole values are also under wraps for now.
One thing is clear: this isn’t just about nostalgia. The new Skins Game aims to blend the charm of the original with innovative elements that resonate with younger fans. With Chad Mumm’s track record of success with “Full Swing” and the PGA Tour’s backing, the event has all the makings of a must-watch spectacle.
Why It Matters
The return of The Skins Game is more than just a fun throwback; it’s a strategic move by the PGA Tour to diversify its offerings and attract a broader audience. Golf has long been criticized for its traditional, sometimes rigid presentation, and events like this provide an opportunity to showcase the sport in a more relaxed, engaging format. By partnering with Pro Shop, the PGA Tour is signaling its commitment to innovation and its willingness to experiment with new ideas.
For fans, this is a chance to see their favorite players in a different light. The Skins Game has always been about personality as much as performance, and the casual, high-stakes format allows players to let loose and have fun. Whether you’re a die-hard golf enthusiast or a casual viewer, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
So, who will step up to claim the title of the new “King of Skins”? Will it be a seasoned veteran, a young phenom, or perhaps a surprise contender? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s for sure: The Skins Game is back, and it’s ready to make a splash.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
