Ryder Cup Rivals Clash in Revived Skins Game
American golfer Keegan Bradley will confront his Ryder Cup demons this Black Friday when he competes against European maniacs
Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry in the highly anticipated return of the Skins Game. The US Ryder Cup skipper, still haunted by September's crushing defeat at Bethpage Black, partners with fellow American Xander Schauffele against the European heroes in this made-for-TV spectacle.
A Chance for Redemption
This marks Bradley's first competitive appearance since captaining the American team to a devastating loss against Europe. The US team lost both Friday sessions, trailing 5.5 to 2.5 after the first day, despite an appearance from former President Donald Trump. Europe ultimately secured victory by two points in a tense Sunday finale.
There's no part of me that thinks I'll ever get over this,
Bradley confessed last month. Since the Ryder Cup to now has been one of the toughest times in my life.
Fleetwood emerged as Europe's top scorer with four points from five matches, while Lowry secured the crucial half point that retained the trophy.
Trash Talk and Microphones
The pre-event press conference revealed the friendly but competitive tension between the rivals. Keegan's already paid me and Tommy extra to not talk about the Ryder Cup,
Lowry joked. Bradley fired back: I won't have a walkie-talkie in my hand on Friday. I'll have a golf club, which is my chance to get back at these two maniacs down there.
In the Skins Game format, players wear microphones and trash talking is actively encouraged. Bradley expressed mock fear at the prospect of the normally mild-mannered Fleetwood engaging in verbal sparring. If Tommy talked trash to me in a serious way, I would curl up in a ball,
Bradley grinned. I'd be so scared. That would be, like, horrifying.
Reviving a Thanksgiving Tradition
The 39-year-old Bradley, who won the US PGA Championship in 2011, is thrilled to see the Skins Game return after it was discontinued in 2008. The original event debuted in 1983 featuring legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player, becoming a Thanksgiving week staple.
For me, growing up in New England, it was the end of the season, so I was bummed that golf was winding down,
Bradley recalled. Then we always had this thing to look forward to, watching the legends of the game play... That was the first time we'd ever seen guys interact with each other while they were playing, and hear what they were saying to their caddies.
New Format and Broadcast Details
The revived Skins Game, organised by Pro Shop - the golf media company behind Netflix's Full Swing - introduces a 'reverse purse' system where each player starts with $1 million and aims to increase their winnings. Players compete for skins
on each hole, with tied holes causing the prize money to roll over to the next.
The event will be broadcast live at 2pm UK time (9am ET) on Friday, November 28 via Prime Video from Panther National in Palm Beach County, Florida. This kicks off a major sporting Black Friday that includes football and NBA games.
Bradley and Lowry will meet again on December 17 in the Optum Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter, a four-team competition that also features Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
