The Optum Golf Channel Games is back, and a pair of familiar faces will be leading each four-person team.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will return as a team captain to defend his title against a Rory McIlroy-led team at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Florida on Dec. 16. Rookie phenom Jackson Koivun will join Scheffler's squad along with Chris Gotterup and Michael Brennan, while Matt Fitzpatrick, Haotong Li (the lone returner outside of the captains) and Si Woo Kim will join McIlroy in the made-for-TV competition.
The teams will compete in a rapid-fire competition, which will feature challenges like a Team Relay and 14-Club Challenge, as well as new challenges for the 2026 competitors.
"The inaugural Optum Golf Channel Games proved that a unique
format showcasing the best players in the world under the pressure of a running clock produces a kind of energy we don't normally see in our sport," Tom Knapp, Golf Channel EVP and GM, said in a release. "That energy translated to the viewers at home and we're excited to build off of last year's momentum with this group of elite golfers, leaning into what worked well last year and implementing some new challenges this year."
More details about the Golf Channel Games, including the full broadcast team, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy set for rematch at 2026 Golf Channel Games
