The duel between golf giants Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler enters its next round – and the Optum Golf Channel Games promise a real spectacle. On December 16, 2026, the second edition of this special event will take place at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Florida. The two superstars will compete as captains of their foursomes teams, and the lineup is packed with top talent and major champions.
Who's Beating Whom? A Look at the Teams
Team Rory relies on concentrated major power: Alongside McIlroy himself are Matt Fitzpatrick, 2022 U.S. Open Champion, Si Woo Kim, and Haotong Li. The latter is the only non-captain returning from the previous year's 2025 event. On the opposing side, Scottie Scheffler, the reigning captain and 2025 winner, leads his team with Chris Gotterup, Michael Brennan, and Jackson Koivun – all three 2026 PGA Tour winners and thus exceptionally strong.
Not a Regular Tournament: Skill Games Under Floodlights
Forget classic stroke play; this is all about fast-paced skills challenges. The Team Relay and the 14-Club Challenge return, with more games yet to be announced. Six players from the world's top 20 are participating, making for an incredible lineup! The action kicks off at 7 p.m. Eastern (1 a.m. CET on December 17) and will be broadcast under floodlights on Golf Channel and USA Network.
While this event does not affect FedExCup standings or world rankings, it is pure entertainment for all golfers and a true showdown of stars. Scheffler, with his mix of young talents and established pros, will go up against McIlroy's experienced major hunters. This will be a clash you won't want to miss.
