Stake holders
Reed: Tiger, Phil should play for their own cash
The golf world is buzzing about a potential $10 million match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, but at least one of their fellow PGA pros has an idea to make the showdown even more exciting.
Patrick Reed, who won his first career major in April at the Masters, said he would like to see the two champions play for their own money.
“I would pay a little bit more to watch it if it was for their own money, for sure,” Reed told reporters Wednesday at the Scottish Open. “It’s going to be entertaining. I think it would be more entertaining if it was for their own money because I think the guys would grind even harder.”
It’s hard to argue either Woods, 42, or Mickelson, 47, whose stellar careers have run pretty much concurrently, would need any more incentive than the joy of beating his closest rival.
By the same token, they are the top two money-earning players of all time on tour — Woods has earned more than $111 million and Mickelson more than $87 million — and could certainly afford the friendly wager. Of course, Mick- elson is always up for a friendly wager.
“I’ll be curious to see it because I feel like one match, 18 holes, not your own money, it’s just kind of an exhibition,” Reed said.
Reed also had a few other ideas to make the competition a little livelier, such as using oldtimey equipment.
“I think it would be pretty cool if it was at night, like a threeround knockout,” Reed said. “Have old-school persimmon woods and balata balls, and then put them in their normal stuff and play a round at night. Have fun with it.”