Scheffler, McIlroy Pick Teams for Golf Channel Games
The second Optum Golf Channel Games will be held at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Florida on December 16.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Golf
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have selected their teammates for the second Optum Golf Channel Games. Scheffler narrowly won the first edition in a playoff over McIlroy.
Why it matters
The team-based exhibition puts two of the sport's leading players head to head in a format designed around collaboration and varied challenges. Scheffler and McIlroy are among the most prominent figures in men's professional golf.
Scheffler's trio of Chris Gotterup, Michael Brennan and Jackson Koivun has won six PGA Tour events combined this season, with Scheffler winning three on his own. McIlroy's squad, led by Matt Fitzpatrick, Si Woo Kim and Haotong Li, has four tour wins, three of them from Fitzpatrick.
The players
Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler is the World No. 1 player and reigning FedEx Cup winner who has won three PGA Tour events this season.
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy is the two-time defending Masters champion and holds six major championships in his career.
The details
Scheffler's team includes Chris Gotterup, Michael Brennan and Jackson Koivun, while McIlroy's includes Matt Fitzpatrick, Si Woo Kim and Haotong Li. The competition will feature challenges such as the 14-Club Challenge and Team Relay and will be broadcast on Golf Channel and USA Network.
Timeline
December 2025: Scheffler narrowly wins the first Golf Channel Games in a playoff over McIlroy.
December 16, 2026: The second Optum Golf Channel Games is held at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter.
Season Trajectory
The second Golf Channel Games extends the inaugural December 2025 edition, which Scheffler won narrowly in a playoff over McIlroy. The return of the same two captains with new teammates keeps the rivalry at the center of the team exhibition format.
Fantasy and betting audiences tracking Scheffler, McIlroy and their teammates can follow the December 16 event on Golf Channel and USA Network. Viewers will see team challenges including the 14-Club Challenge and Team Relay.
The takeaway
The Golf Channel Games pair team-based competition with broadcast exposure, giving fans a structured way to follow the sport's top players outside traditional tournament play. The December 16 event offers a clear date for viewers planning to watch.
What happens next
The second Optum Golf Channel Games will be held at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter on December 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the sport's leading players and tournaments, see Golf coverage across the United States.
