McIlroy's '1.1 Million Dollar Wedge Shot'... Leading to Charity Match Victory

Johnson Teams Up to Defeat Fowler-Wolff, Donates Total of $9.8 Million; Next Week's 'Big Match' Features Woods-Mickelson

Rory McIlroy cheers after placing closest to the hole in the 2-on-2 charity skins extension near-pin contest. Junovich (Florida, USA) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter Nowrae Noh] It is a great gift for golf fans around the world who have been craving golf.

On the 18th (Korean time), the TaylorMade Driving Relief, a 2-on-2 charity event of the PGA Tour, was held at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, USA. World No.1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and long hitter Dustin Johnson won $1.85 million in skins against Oklahoma State University alumni Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff (both USA). Fowler and Wolff's skins amounted to $1.15 million.

This was the first 'big match' held since the PGA Tour was suspended after the first round of The Players Championship in March due to the spread of COVID-19. The format was four-ball (each player plays their own ball and the best score counts). McIlroy and Johnson won 3 of the first 6 holes but were overtaken by Fowler's string of birdies. From the 13th hole (par 3), the match was tied, and even at the 18th hole (par 4), where $1.1 million had accumulated, no winner was decided.

McIlroy clinched a thrilling comeback victory by winning the playoff near-pin contest held at the 17th hole (par 3, 120 yards), placing his ball closer to the hole. McIlroy cheered, "I'm glad to be able to do something for those suffering from COVID-19." In addition to the total prize money of $3 million, $1.8 million in birdie and long-drive bonuses, $1 million from Farmers Insurance, and $4 million raised by the PGA Tour from viewers, totaling $9.8 million, will be donated to U.S. disease-related organizations.

Rory McIlroy (left) and Dustin Johnson are carrying their caddie bags themselves and walking to the 2nd hole in the 2-on-2 charity skins match. Junovich (Florida, USA) = Getty Images / Multivitz

The tournament was held without spectators while complying with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. The four players, equipped with microphones, wore shorts and carried their bags without caddies. They also cleaned their golf balls on the green themselves. There were no rakes in the bunkers, so they smoothed the sand with their feet. A tournament official acted as an assistant by removing the flags. They displayed powerful long drives and relieved fans' curiosity by conducting interviews with the host during the round.

The PGA Tour will continue on the 25th at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida, USA, with 'the resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods and veteran Phil Mickelson (both USA) facing off in 'The Match: Champions for Charity.' In their first match in November 2018, Mickelson won after a fierce battle extending to the fourth playoff hole, taking home the entire $9 million prize. This time, NFL stars Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (both USA) will join, forming two teams of two.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.