GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR has added an exciting new dimension to the inaugural MGM Resorts The Challenge: Japan Skins to finalise its plans for the event, which takes place on Monday, 21 October.
With a combined 479 test caps and three Rugby World Cup winner’s medals between them, George Gregan (Australia), Bryan Habana (South Africa), Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland and British & Irish Lions)and Mike Tindall (England) will take on a challenge alongside four of the biggest names in golf.
Currently in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, the four legends will travel to Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba, Japan where Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama will go head-to-head in a globally-televised skins game.
The players will be competing for a total purse of $350,000 for the selected charity partners, with hole values divided as follows: Holes 1-6: $10,000 per skin; 7-12: $15,000 per skin; 13-17: $20,000 per skin; 18: $100,000 super skin.
During the event, three holes played will include an unconventional twist with additional monetary value in support of our charitable partners. Details of these extra challenges will be revealed during the live broadcast.
Rugby World Cup 2003 winner Mike Tindall is relishing the opportunity to share centre stage with four of the world’s greatest golfers: “This is an amazing opportunity to be up close with some of the best players that have ever played the game. I am so excited to be able to watch them from inside the ropes. When you look at Tiger and Rory, they’re so robust mentally. They have each had their challenges over their career but have always managed to overcome them and end up on top which is the toughest side to sport so you can only salute them for this.”
Experienced broadcaster Rich Lerner will host the international coverage of the event, with analysis from 1991 Open Championship winner Ian Baker-Finch. Henni Zuel and Geoff Ogilvy will be the course presenters.
The match tees off at 1pm in Tokyo, 6am in central Europe, 5am in the UK, and 12am in US Eastern time zones.
Fans can watch the event for free by registering with GOLFTV (outside of the US) and visiting challenge.golf.tv for more information. The Golf Channel will simulcast the event in the US.