Rory McIlroy teams up with Scottie Scheffler to take down LIV rivals
Rory McIlroy
PA
PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will take on LIV Golf rebels Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a televised clash this year.
An event is scheduled for December in Las Vegas that will see the four golf superstars do battle, though an exact date or venue has yet to be decided.
TNT Sports is set to broadcast the event, though the finer details are yet to be ironed out.
It looks set to be a watershed moment for golf as the first time PGA Tour players will compete against LIV Golf players outside of the majors and Olympics.
Rory McIlroy will team up with Scottie Scheffler to face Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka
PA
And it comes amid ongoing talks between the PGA and LIV over a possible merger.
LIV Golf players have been disallowed from featuring on the PGA Tour, including DeChambeau and Koepka after they defected in 2022.
McIlroy's manager Sean O'Flaherty insisted the contest 'will be a positive event for golf'.
While the Northern Irishman told Golfweek: "I'm thrilled to partner with Scottie in what promises to be an exciting duel against Bryson and Brooks in Vegas this December.
"This isn't just a contest between some of golf's major champions, it's an event designed to energize the fans.
JUST IN: Taylor Fritz's girlfriend reignites Alexander Zverev feud
"We're all here to put on a great show and contribute to a goodwill event that brings the best together again."
Scheffler has had a barnstorming year so far, winning his second Masters title and ranking first in the world, as well as winning gold at the Olympics.
McIlroy, meanwhile, is ranked third in the world - though his wait for a major stretched into its 10th year after failing to make the cut at The Open in July.
READ MORE: Jack Draper opens up on secret weapon that helped down Alex de Minaur at US Open
Scottie Scheffler is undoubtedly the best player in the world right now
PA
They face their old foes DeChambeau and Koepka, who have won seven major titles between them.
While some might have reservations over the event, which has yet to decide on a format, it could also be an exciting opportunity to see the world's best go head to head from both golfing organisations.
Some of the biggest names in the sport have switched to LIV Golf in recent years, which is financed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign fund PIF by £1.6billion.
As well as Koepka and DeChambeau, big names include Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Cam Smith and Martin Kaymer.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Bryson DeChambeau joined LIV Golf in 2022
PA
Saudi's PIF struck a shock peace deal with the PGA Tour in June 2023 but there have been little details released over any progress on an improved relationship since.
Last week, McIlroy said: “I think if it doesn’t happen soon, then honestly, I think PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options, right?
"I’d say that’s the next step in all this if something doesn’t get done.”