The period of “unorthodox” tournaments continues for the PGA Tour since, after the Hero World Challenge event, next weekend it will be time for the QBE Shootout, on the Tiburón Golf Course in Naples, Florida.
Fixed appointment of the American season since 1989, it is the only event on the PGA Tour that instead of being faced individually by participants, involves the formation of 12 pairs made up of 24 of the best players on the circuit.
QBE Shootout, statements
The tournament’s unique features don’t end there, in fact, unlike most events, it is played over three days, from Friday to Sunday, with a different competition format for each day. The first day features the “Scramble” mode in which both players of the pair hit from the tee, then having the choice to continue from the point of arrival they consider better between the two shots, thus proceeding for each shot played.
On Saturday the round of “Alternate” is played: also in this case both components will play their shot from the tee, they will choose which ball to use, alternating in executions from that moment on. In the third and decisive round on Sunday, the method provided is the “Best Ball”, in which the two components play the hole individually, counting only the better of the two scores recorded.
The race will be highly spectacular, not only for the unusual and captivating format or for the wonderful surroundings of South Florida, but also because the quality of the participants will be very high. In the absence of last year’s winners, Jason Kokrak and Kevin Na, the “palm” of favorites can only go to Harris English and Matt Kuchar, already three times winners and twice runners-up.
Their first victory dates back to 2013, when they won by 7 shots over the runners-up, and then repeated in 2016 and 2020 when they did even better, trimming 9 shots behind their closest pursuers, a record advantage for the tournament.
Billy Horschel, a great veteran of the format, will team up this year with Jason Day, winner in 2014 together with Cameron Tringale, and will certainly aim for the first success, only touched upon in the past. Brian Harman & Sepp Straka will certainly also start with victory ambitions, both very fit at this stage of the season.
Also noteworthy is the now usual presence of Lexi Thompson, a player “on loan” from the LPGA Tour who will play alongside Maverick McNealy, and Nelly Korda, a true star of the female tour, who will team up with Denny McCarthy.
Below are all the couples who will compete for victory in the QBE Shootout and its rich prize pool: Harris English & Matt Kuchar
Steve Stricker & Cameron Young
Tom Hoge & Sahith Theegala
Corey Conners & K.H.
Lee
Jason Day & Billy Horschel
Ryan Palmer & Charley Hoffman
Nelly Korda & Denny McCarthy
Trey Mullinax & Scott Stallings
Max Homa & Kevin Kisner
Brian Harman & Sepp Straka
Lexi Thompson & Maverick McNealy
Keith Mitchell & J.J. Spaun
