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Optum Golf Channel Games: Teams, format and how to watch on TV and in person

  
Published December 15, 2025 09:25 AM
Donald hopes fans enjoy Optum Golf Channel Games
December 8, 2025 05:30 PM
Luke Donald joins Golf Central to talk about how he's preparing for the Optum Golf Channel Games, whether he'll be back as European Ryder Cup Team captain and more.

The inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games will include innovative competitions, two teams captained by the world’s top 2 players and timed competitions.

Here’s your need-to-know information:

When and where is the Optum Golf Channel Games?

The Games will take place December 17 at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Jupiter, Florida.

Who are the captains and their teams?

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy are the respective captains. Scheffler is joined by U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, five-time PGA Tour winner Sam Burns and rising star Luke Clanton.

McIlroy’s side includes Ryder Cup hero Shane Lowry; their two-time victorious European captain, Luke Donald; and worldwide winner and Presidents Cup participant, China’s Haotong Li.

How can I watch?

The Optum Golf Channel Games will air live, beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST, on Golf Channel and USA Network. “Golf Central Pregame” will lead into the event at 7 p.m., with a “Postgame” upon conclusion.

Click here to watch the live action on the NBC Sports app.

Can I buy tickets to attend in person?

Yes. Tickets are available to the general public. Click here to purchase.

What is the format for the Optum Golf Channel Games?

There are five challenges in which teams will compete against each other for points. These are the events:
Golf Channel Games: Driving competition
Power and precision takes center stage in the first competition of the Golf Channel Games, where each team will go head-to-head driving six balls to earn points.

Timed drive competition: Players compete in head-to-head duels with two minutes on the clock and must combine power and accuracy to launch drives into a scoring grid.
Golf Channel Games: Short game
Poise and precision take center stage in the second competition of the Golf Channel Games, where each team will go head-to-head chipping and pitching before racing to the green to show off their putting skills.

Timed short game competition: A combination of chipping and putting in which players hit shots from multiple locations around the green before tackling a putting gauntlet from varying distances — with just three minutes to complete both challenges.
Golf Channel Games: Team relay
Teamwork and speed will be the name of the game during the third competition of the Golf Channel Games, an exciting team relay.

Team relay: Four-player alternate shot on three holes with players staged throughout each hole: one on the tee, one in the fairway and two around the green. Lowest score in the shortest amount of time wins.
Golf Channel Games: 14-Club Challenge
Competition 4 of the Golf Channel Games features a 14-Club Challenge, where strategy meets skill as players get one shot with one club to get as close to the pin as they can, earning points in the process.

14-club challenge: Two teams of two players from each side will square off, drawing a club from a single bag (including driver and putter) in a closest-to-the-pin competition from a designated distance in the fairway. All 14 clubs will be used — seven shots per player per side — and once a club is used, it’s out. Each team will also pick a player to hit a lefty 15th shot.
Golf Channel Games: Captain's Challenge
The Captain's Challenge of the Golf Channel Games features Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy going head-to-head hitting 10 shots from various locations to gain the most points.

Captain’s challenge: McIlroy and Scheffler will hit from predetermined locations. Shots will include irons from a variety of distances, as well as wedge, pitch, bunker shot, greenside shot, 30-foot putt, and 10-foot putt.