Only a few hours before the tenth edition of The Match (pre-recorded) airs, and Charles Barkley has already started with a loss. But to fans’ relief, the defeat for the former Philadelphia 76ers star came at just a side quest. For the unaware, stars like Barkley, Ken Griffey Jr, Michael Phelps, Blake Griffin, and more participated in this edition. Before the games, however, Bleacher Report carried out a grip strength test among the star participants.

Let us disclose the winner to you already–Michael Phelps with the highest readings of any of the stars at 120. The guy just does not know how to lose. Meanwhile, Barkley said of the test, “Oh, this is just something stupid.” However, when he was told that Ken Griffey Jr. got a higher reading, Chuck had a response that seemed fair enough. “He got stronger hands. He’s a baseball player.”

Griffey Jr. at first attempt got a reading of just 60, but then he was told he was not holding the measuring device hard enough. And the ex-MLB star got a reading of 167.2 on his second attempt. Now, Charles Barkley might have lost to Ken at this side quest, but he would be relying on him to win The Match together.

According to Awful Announcing, the tournament kicks off with two quarterfinal matchups in a 2-v-2 scramble format. Picture this–Bill Murray and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to take on Barkley and Griffey. On the other side, you will have Mark Wahlberg and Michael Phelps squaring off against Nate Bargatze and Blake Griffin.

If you’re not familiar with the scramble format, it’s a team game where everyone tees off. Then the team picks the best ball to play their next shot. They keep repeating this until someone sinks it. It’s the kind of format that encourages wild shots and bold moves, especially when one teammate can play it safe while the other takes a risk.

Now, Barkley and Griffey can be a tough duo to beat. Especially considering Chuck has The Match III win under his belt with Phil Mickelson. Meanwhile, Griffey brings that undeniable power and precision from his baseball days.

Charles Barkley has come a long way in regards to his golf form

Remember Barkley’s golf swing from a few years ago? If you’ve seen it, you probably cringed—and maybe even chuckled. The 11x NBA All-Star was a basketball legend, but on the golf course, his swing was the stuff of viral videos. Jerky movements, awkward pauses, a choppy downswing—Barkley’s form was almost painful to watch. And it wasn’t just bad technique to blame.

Years of wear and tear from his NBA career had taken a toll on his back, making things even harder for him. Even Tiger Woods couldn’t resist poking fun once, hilariously mimicking Barkley’s swing, and giving golf fans a laugh in one video. But the Chuckster didn’t just laugh it off. He got to work.

He sought help from the best, including famed coach Hank Haney (who’s worked with Tiger Woods himself), PGA pros like Darren Clarke, and swing instructor Stan Utley. Fast forward to now, and Barkley’s swing is nearly unrecognizable. The awkward pauses? Gone. The fluidity? Much improved. Now, it’s to be seen if he can recreate the success that he achieved in The Match III.