The Showdown 2024 is here! The Golfing Gazette’s writers predict how the event will go from the winning team to the most entertaining player and much more.
The competition between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s most high-profile stars takes place on Tuesday afternoon.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will go to battle against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka at the challenging Shadow Creek Golf Club in LA Vegas.
They will compete across three formats (fourballs, foursomes and singles) in one 18-hole match for the ages.
Here are all of our predictions for The Showdown 2024; there are some bold ones!
- READ MORE: Brooks Koepka promises what he’ll do if he wins The Showdown match with Bryson DeChambeau
The Showdown 2024 winner
Jordan Harris: Rory McIlroy & Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler and McIlroy have both won in the last couple of months, with Scheffler looking outrageously good at the Hero World Challenge. They have the form, so I’m backing a win for Team PGA Tour.
James Shearman: Rory McIlroy & Scottie Scheffler
There is an argument to be made that DeChambeau and Koepka, who are seemingly friends these days, will have more chemistry than their opposition. But McIlroy and Scheffler are probably the two best golfers and, as long as they play to their potential, should get over the line.
Sam Stone: Rory McIlroy & Scottie Scheffler
I’m backing Scheffler and McIlroy. If Scottie is at 75% it’s usually enough to beat the world’s best. If McIlroy chips in on the odd hole, the LIV duo could have their work cut out.
Best player at The Showdown 2024
Jordan Harris: Scottie Scheffler
Nothing seems to faze Scheffler, so if there is any trash talk, the world number one will probably have no problem focusing on his game. If he and McIlroy find their best form, DeChambeau and Koepka will struggle to keep up with their opponents.
James Shearman: Rory McIlroy
Scheffler is the world number one for a reason but McIlroy is as good as anyone on his day. And I’m predicting the Northern Irishman to have a day at Shadow Creek as he will desperately want to get one over his LIV Golf rivals.
Sam Stone: Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler is simply the best player in the world so I’m expecting him to also perform the best of the four players at The Showdown 2024.
Longest drive at The Showdown 2024
Jordan Harris: Bryson DeChambeau – 360 yards
This is surely between DeChambeau and McIlroy, but the Crushers captain may have the edge. I am expecting the US Open champion to send one 360 yards at some stage during the match.
James Shearman: Bryson DeChambeau – 375 yards
Especially in a one-off event like this, DeChambeau will want to entertain the thousands of golf fans in Las Vegas and around the world. People love to see the pros hit ridiculously long drives and DeChambeau can produce those with no problem at all.
Sam Stone: Rory McIlroy – 360 yards
DeChambeau will be the most common answer but McIlroy is also an unbelievable driver and can reach 360 yards at Shadow Creek.
The Showdown 2024 most entertaining player
Jordan Harris: Scottie Scheffler
Many will be expecting DeChambeau to steal the show, but do not sleep on Scheffler’s incredibly dry sense of humour. The 28-year-old has the potential to surprise a lot of people with how he behaves while mic’d up.
James Shearman: Rory McIlroy
Besides his play on the course, McIlroy can turn this event into one for the ages if he speaks his mind to the cameras. The 35-year-old has the passion and personality to make the contest a little feisty – which would make for great TV.
Sam Stone: Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler might not have the biggest personality of the four players but I think he’ll surprise some people on Tuesday. Not to mention his impeccable golf game is also highly entertaining to watch.
The Showdown 2024 random prediction
Jordan Harris: Brooks Koepka to lose two balls
Koepka will lose two balls during the match. The five-time major champion is the wildcard of the quartet as his form can be anywhere from sublime to ridiculous. So perhaps he will have a couple of moments to forget.
James Shearman: McIlroy and Scheffler to dominate foursomes
Has there ever been a better potential foursomes pairing than McIlroy and Scheffler? Not only are they both exceptional golfers but their games complement each other well. McIlroy is remarkable off the tee while Scheffler’s iron play and short game are insanely consistent.
Sam Stone: Scheffler to hole out from the fairway for an eagle
Scheffler’s iron play is elite and if anyone can hole out from the fairway – it’s the world number one.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
