Yes, “sports” are still not yet back. But there will be appointment sports television Sunday, particularly for golf fans, with Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning teaming up against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in “The Match: Champions for Charity” event (3 p.m. ET on TNT, TBS and truTV) that will raise $10 million for COVID-19-related charity.
In terms of celebrity, that’s about as heavy-hitting of a foursome as they come. Plenty of backstory exists between the rivalries Mickelson and Woods shared on the course and the battles Brady and Manning dueled out on the football field.
The event also got us thinking. If Brady and Manning weren’t involved, who would be an adequate replacement?
Steph Curry: This guy doesn’t only have pinpoint accuracy from 3-point range. The sharpshooter’s handicap has dipped to as low as 1.5. The Golden State Warriors guard is seriously invested in the game, funding Howard University’s men’s and women’s programs. Curry has the superstar appeal and elite golf game to headline any type of event such as this.
Tony Romo: We know Romo can announce the heck out of a football game. He’s also a talented golfer, and he’s used some sponsor exemptions to play in PGA Tour events (four times in the last two years). Say CBS were to have the rights — a live mic on Romo with him consistently bantering with NFL play-by-play partner Jim Nantz would be gold.
John Smoltz: Said Woods of the former MLB pitcher: “I had not ever played with an amateur that had ever shot the scores he shot.” That’s more than enough approval right there. Calling the World Series over the last few years for Fox, Smoltz has maintained a public presence.
Michael Jordan: Side bets are going to be an anticipated offshoot of any celebrity foursome. Adding Jordan would take it to another level. He plays a lot, and having a camera on him for three consecutive hours in a competitive environment might allow viewers to learn more about him than they did during “The Last Dance.”
The Match: Trivia – How to play
USA TODAY has released a new, special trivia game around The Match: Champions for Charity, which you can take part in absolutely free. It’s easy to participate and adds some extra excitement to Sunday’s event.
- Sign up for free at USA TODAY Trivia
- Select The Match: Champions for Charity box among the listings Note: There will be pre-event and in-event trivia questions!
- Answer each question with how you believe The Match will play out
- Sit back and watch your “My Stats” results to see how you’re doing
- Don’t forget to also take part in the in-event trivia, too
Sign up now for USA TODAY’s The Match trivia game.
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