What Is ‘Skins Game’? After Becoming a Hurdle for Rory McIlroy, PGA Tour Returns With Thanksgiving Tradition

Rory McIlroy’s plans to team up with Scottie Scheffler for “The Showdown” against LIV Golfers Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau were initially met with hesitation by the PGA TOUR. But after some behind-the-scenes negotiations, the PGA TOUR finally granted McIlroy a media release to participate in the event. It’s clear that McIlroy was determined to make this happen, and his persistence eventually paid off.

McIlroy recently revealed that it took “a few conversations” to get the PGA TOUR on board with his plans. But in a surprising twist, the PGA TOUR has just announced that it’s bringing back the “Skins Game” for the first time since 2008 – and it’s also introducing its own version of “The Showdown” in 2025, per the latest tweet by NUCLR Golf,! This move is clearly a response to the growing popularity of LIV Golf and its high-profile exhibition matches. The PGA TOUR is looking to capitalize on the success of “The Showdown” concept and provide its fans with a unique and exciting viewing experience.

“The PGA TOUR is bringing back the ‘Skins Game’ for the first time since 2008. It will be produced in collaboration with @chadmumm and Pro Shop Studios. The event will take place next Thanksgiving with details still TBD”, read the post.  The PGA TOUR’s new event is still in the works, with details yet to be announced. But one thing’s for sure – the introduction of this new event is going to heat up the rivalry between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the showdown, and it’s clear that the PGA TOUR is pulling out all the stops to make this event a success.

With the “Skins Game” making a comeback and “The Showdown” getting a PGA TOUR spinoff, 2025 is shaping up to be an epic year for golf fans. But do you know the upcoming event is not something new? Yes, the “Skins game’ is pretty historical.

History of the ‘Skins Game’

The Skins Game, a cornerstone of golf’s former “silly season,” is making a comeback. The event, which debuted in 1983 with legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Gary Player, was held over Thanksgiving weekend in the California desert. The format was simple: a “skin” was awarded to the player who won each hole, with the prize money increasing as the match progressed. Fred Couples became synonymous with the event, winning nearly $4.5 million in 11 appearances and bringing a laid-back personality that fit the casual contest.

After a 15-year hiatus, the PGA Tour is reviving the Skins Game in partnership with Pro Shop and Propagate Content. The new iteration promises a “retro-modern” twist to engage today’s sports fans. Chris Wandell, the PGA Tour’s senior vice president of media, expressed excitement about reimagining the iconic event. With the details still being worked out, including the cast, format, and creative approach, golf fans can look forward to a fresh take on a beloved tradition.