Tiger vs. Phil for $10 Million Is This Going to Happen or What?

Updated: September 25, 2025

[fcrp_feat_sc sc_id=”464″] You have seen the news. You have heard the rumors. Word on the street is that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are on the verge of playing a heads-up match, and the winner is taking home a cool 10 million bucks. As an avid fan of the game and someone who has followed these two legends' careers for the past 20+ years, I am salivating at the potential of this going down.

Historical Context of Golf Showdowns

Golf has a rich history of thrilling one-on-one matches. One of the most talked-about was the 2000 “Battle at Bighorn,” where Tiger Woods faced off against Sergio Garcia. This event attracted a massive television audience and showed that golf could be as exciting as any head-to-head sport. Previous exhibition matches featuring legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus also set the stage for high-stakes showdowns, drawing fans with their charisma and competitive spirit. What if I told you that you can bet on who will win this match? What if I told you that you can bet on if the match even takes place? Perhaps you don't even think the two men will clash. Do you think it's all just a bunch of hashtag fake news? Is the media just stirring the pot to get people's hopes up? If that's the case, you can put your money where your mouth is. The plan for this short blog is to tell you all you need to know about the prospects of this match. The online betting site SportsBetting.ag currently has 3 wagers regarding the Tiger/Phil exhibition, and while two of them have promise, one seems like more of a tease. I'll give you my perspective on the two bets catching my eye, as well as spill the facts on why you should stay away from the other. I'll spend some time at the end telling you what I think ends up happening, but I want to get to the juicy stuff first. We are all here to make some money, so let's dive right into the bets!

Will Woods vs. Mickelson Take Place in 2018?

Here's how this betting market is priced up. Yes-240 No+175

Top Rated Sportsbooks

[fcrp_feat_sc sc_id=”464″] There it is in plain sight, ladies and gentlemen. If you think the match is for sure happening before the end of the calendar year, you'll have to lay -240 on your premonition. Should you think it's all just a bunch of hoopla and unwarranted commotion, the bookies will handsomely pay you to the tune of +175 odds if you correctly predict that it doesn't take place. You want my opinion? Don't worry; it's coming soon. I've heard both sides of the debate. Some of my closest friends who are in and around the PGA Tour circle have told me this isn't going down and that the news was made public just to send the golf community into a frenzy. On the flip side, I have heard from other very credible sources that this isn't just a bunch of nonsense and that this mano a mano battle is indeed going to go down.

Details of the August Unveiling and Backdrop

The anticipation for the Tiger vs. Phil match began with teasers in early August 2018. Both golfers hinted at a historic face-off, and fans eagerly awaited confirmation. The initial buzz suggested a summer showdown, but logistical delays pushed plans. The build-up was significant, with promotional snippets stressing the rivalry and potential for a spectacular event, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The beauty of the top online sportsbooks like SportsBetting.ag is that they allow us to be the judge and make the call on whether or not we think it will happen.

The $10M Match Who Will Win?

These are the odds for this betting market. Tiger Woods-125 Phil Mickelson+105 Again, it's right there for the taking. If you are in the camp who thinks that Tiger will blow past Phil if they meet up in a duel, all you have to do is lay -125, and your action will be booked. If you are all about Lefty and think that Mickelson has enough moxie to tame the Tiger, then the online casino operators at SportsBook.ag are going to let you in at the favorable price of +105. The bottom line is that you don't have to sit this one out on the sidelines if the two men end up doing battle. You can pick your side, place the bet, and watch all the drama unfold!

Betting Statistics and Trends Analysis

Betting on golf has seen a notable rise, with major events drawing significant attention. When Tiger and Phil are involved, the stakes seem even higher. Historical data shows that in similar events, most bets tend to favor the more consistent player. However, betting patterns have evolved, with fans increasingly considering factors like recent form and psychological edges. Longstanding rivalries often add layers that can skew conventional odds, making these events a bettor's delight. Recent statistics indicate that when Woods and Mickelson are involved, betting volumes soar. Studies show a surge in online engagement for these matches, thanks to the duo's impressive history. Fans often revisit past performances to guide their wagers, with many referencing Tiger’s comeback in recent tournaments. Trends also reveal that new betting markets, like predicting match-play leads or birdie counts, gain traction during such events. This shift highlights a more analytical approach among bettors, who now incorporate advanced metrics, embracing data-driven strategies for potentially greater returns.

The Venue of the Woods vs. Mickelson $10M Match

There are a few options for this betting market. Here are the current odds. Torrey Pines Golf Course+300 Augusta National Golf Club+550 The PGA West Stadium Course+450 TPC Sawgrass+450 Shinnecock Hills Golf Club+800 Emirates Golf Club+275 Remember in the intro when I alluded to the bookies offering a teaser type of bet? One that they posted on the board just to draw in the average fan and get him or her placing bets on this match? Well, let me be the first one to clue you in. This is a common tactic that bookmakers will use, but it's one that you need to stay away from to avoid dumping money. Essentially, the site is offering us the names of 6 courses, all of which most golf fans are very familiar with. The odds attached are rather favorable, but trust me, folks, this is by design.

The Impact of Venues on Match Outcomes

Venue choice can greatly influence golf match outcomes. Courses like Augusta National are renowned for their complexity and unique challenges, which often favor players familiar with the terrain. Shadow Creek, for example, poses its own set of challenges with unpredictable winds and water hazards. Historical performances show that venues not only test skill but also mental acuity, making home course advantage a significant consideration. The reason they are offering all these venues at great prices is because the golf course most likely to host this match isn't even on the list!

Shadow Creek in Las Vegas

Forget about Augusta National and Shinnecock Hills. That'll never happen. The duel they are dubbing The $10M Match will almost certainly take place at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada, if and when it ends up happening. The reason that Shadow Creek isn't listed is because, as I previously mentioned, the books are trying to tease us. They list some famous tracks that everyone recognizes in hopes that the recreational golf fan will bite. The reality is, this is near enough a risk-free market for the online sites. Every single bet that gets placed here will likely turn out to be a loser. Essentially, however much money is wagered on this specific bet will go directly into the pockets of the betting site. Sure, there is a very slim and outside chance that the match happens, and Shadow Creek isn't the choice. But I can almost guarantee you that none of the 6 courses listed will be chosen. Again, the books are giving bettors another option to have a sweat on this match. Those who are sharp will be staying far, far away from this particular wager.

Reflections on Tiger and Phil's Previous Rivalries

Over the years, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have crossed paths in many memorable moments. In major tournaments like the Masters and the U.S. Open, each has had his fair share of victories and heartbreaks. Their contrasting styles, with Tiger's precision and Phil's creative flair, have always drawn intrigue. These encounters defined an era, contributing to one of sports' most interesting rivalries. Both athletes pushed each other to achieve new heights, engaging fans worldwide.

My Thoughts What Do I Think Happens?

I really do think this match happens. But I am also more than apprehensive that the news was released prematurely and that Tiger and Phil might not play after all. I'll give you both sides of the coin. You can decide which theory makes more sense.

Why the Match Won't Take Place

Obviously, media outlets like ESPN or Yahoo Sports want nothing more than to create traffic and get people reading their content. The bigger and more breaking the story is, the more buzz gets generated. Releasing a story as massive as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson facing off in a 10-million-dollar match is certainly breaking-news-worthy type of information. These forms of hearsay usually have at least some sort of truth behind them, but I'll tell you what raises my eyebrow about the initial report. There was a pgatour.com report that stated that the match had already been scheduled. And while not naming the course, they did say that July 3rd in Las Vegas was when this supposed to happen. Mickelson even was quoted as saying the following. We're working on a different date. I thought it was done for the 3rd but obviously it wasn't. Really? Come on. I live in Las Vegas, and it was like 112 degrees on July 3rd, and that's not an exaggeration. You really think a match of this magnitude, with two names as high-profile as Tiger and Phil's, were going to duke it out for 10 mil in 110+ degrees of heat? I never bought that for a second, which made we wonder if the whole story was one big gaffe. Was all this speculation for nothing?

Why the Match Will Take Place

On the other hand, perhaps they used the July 3rd in Las Vegas as a simple ploy to lure in readers. Maybe the sole intention of bringing up July 3rd in the first place was designed to draw fans in, when the reality is that this was always going to take place sometime during the fall. The fact that Phil has made references to the match taking place and we've heard zilch from the Tiger Woods camp doesn't mean a whole lot to me, as Phil has always been one who loves engaging with fans and media when there's a microphone placed in front of him. I believe that enough information is out there, and the idea has been tossed around enough, that eventually, something gets inked. And when it does, it won't take long for you and me to find out.

Who Has the Edge If They Play?

It's too early to call, and quite frankly, there's no reason to place this wager until we know for sure when and where it's being played. The odds won't change much, if at all, from now until something is officially set in stone, so I recommend sitting back and watching how it all plays out. If and when an announcement comes, then I will happily weigh in on who has the edge and who I'd lay my money on. I'll have to take into account the current form of both Tiger and Phil, as well as their familiarity with the golf course. For example, Tiger started coming out to Shadow Creek in the mid-1990s as a teenager and has been spotted at the course a plethora of times over the years. While I am sure Phil has played The Creek, I don't have any personal knowledge of him being out there in recent years. At the end of the day, golf is a funny game, and these players are evenly matched enough that either guy could win on any given day. With that being the case, I might side with Phil, chiefly because the +105 number is a heck of a lot more attractive than the -125 figure I'd have to lay if I bet on Tiger.

Final Takeaway

You heard it here first. I say that these two men will face off at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. I think it happens sometime during the early portion of the fall, but not up against one of the NFL games. I expect it to be shown live, during primetime, and I can't wait to see the bidding war that will ensue amongst the networks for the rights to televise the event. Perhaps playing on a Tuesday or Wednesday from about 4:00-7:30 pm local time makes sense. I suspect it could come shortly after the Ryder Cup (September 27-30) and take place in early October, when the daylight is still extending beyond 7:00 pm in Sin City. I gave you some reasons why it might just be a farce, and you can get a good price on this match not taking place if that's what you believe. I just see too much out there and too many positive and profitable reasons to let this golden opportunity slide by. With that being said, all we can do is patiently wait and see what pans out! The post Tiger vs. Phil for $10 Million – Is This Going to Happen or What? appeared first on GamblingSites.com.