My #10, and most recent, moment of 2022 is Capital One's The Match featuring the team up of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods versus Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
It was Tiger's first time back since The Open at St. Andrews, so I was anxious to see how he would do. He did withdraw from the Hero World Challenge the week prior due to plantar fasciitis, but I wasn't really prepared to see him limping as much as he was. It's a little tough to see, but I'm glad he still participated. You could tell he hasn't really played much competitive golf lately, his chipping and putting just didn't seem quite there, which I would've hoped was a bit better, seeing as how you really don't need to move your lower body/legs that much, but that's just my thought.
Rory also didn't look like the guy that won the Tour Championship earlier this year. His driving looked good (as always), but it just seemed like his iron play and putting wasn't quite there, except for a couple of shots - good birdie putt to win one hole and a heck of a tee shot on the 10th hole. I'm guessing he's just a little rusty (probably taking time off since the CJ cup).
Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas looked pretty good, if I'm being honest. Jordan had his moments of being Jordan Spieth, hitting some shots that just didn't look good at all (and the commentary that goes with it). Justin looked really good, draining a long putt on the second hole to give him and Jordan a lead, that they would never lose. He also played an impressive hole for the one club challenge - choosing a 5 wood and hitting a great "chip" and "putt" to make par and give them that hole.
All-in-all, the golf was great (from one team), but the commentary was the star of this one. Hearing the players interact with each other and hear them interact with Charles Barkley was definitely the highlight. Barkley was super classy throughout the whole round, but very funny interacting with University of Alabama attendee, Justin Thomas - Barkley went to Auburn.
I, personally, think this was a great way to wind down the year and I hope we can get these 4 back for a rematch.
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