Turner Sports will present Capital One’s The Match: Champions for Change, a premier golf event with the World Golf Hall of Famer and crossover legends competing – Phil Mickelson, Charles Barkley, Stephen Curry and Peyton Manning. TNT will exclusively televise the event, to be held 3 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 27 at Stone Canyon Golf Club in Oro Valley, Ariz. Bleacher Report will provide exclusive live content leading up to and during the event on the B/R app.
Capital One’s The Match: Champions for Change will contribute toward and will highlight diversity, equality and inclusion through donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) while raising awareness and spotlighting opportunities for diversity and equality in sports. All four players have supported diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout their careers, which has led to them teaming up for this event. Additional information on these elements, among others, will be announced at a later date.
“Capital One’s The Match has become a franchise featuring some of the best in sports and entertainment, and we’re looking forward to this next iteration and the meaningful awareness it will raise for social change,” said Lenny Daniels, President, Turner Sports. “With Phil, Charles, Stephen and Peyton on the course, there’s sure to be no shortage of must-see moments, in addition to the important causes driving each athlete’s participation.”
The competition format will be modified alternate shot match play, with five-time Major champion Mickelson teaming with Naismith Memorial Hall-of-Famer Barkley.
“I’m excited to return for the third edition of Capital One’s The Match and get out on the course with these three legendary athletes,” Mickelson said. “While we may need a handicap for Chuck, I’m looking forward to playing with Peyton and Stephen and to help raise money for another important cause. It’s also going to give fans and viewers an up-close look at Stone Canyon Golf Club, a place that I’m extremely proud of and excited to show how special it is.”
Barkley added, “Capital One’s The Match has been a lot of fun to be a part of over the past few years and I’m excited to finally show off my skills on the course. Phil and I got this, I GUARR-AAAN-TEEEE!!!”
The pair will take on three-time NBA Champion Curry – a near scratch golfer – and two-time Super Bowl Champion Manning, who played a key role in his team winning the last edition of Capital One’s The Match
“Last year I had the incredible opportunity to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University through the game of golf,” Curry said. “I truly believe an investment in HBCUs is an investment in our future and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to support these great institutions alongside some of my favorite players … and Chuck.”
Manning added, “Capital One’s The Match in May was such a memorable experience for me – not just competing against rivals and friends but, more importantly, contributing to COVID-19 and food insecurity relief efforts. I’m proud of the work the PeyBack Foundation has done to support HBCU students in both Louisiana and Tennessee, and I’m looking forward to helping raise additional funding and awareness for HBCUs through Capital One’s The Match.”
Live event coverage airing on TNT will feature unprecedented access, with all players having open mics throughout the competition, including the ability to communicate directly with other golfers and the broadcast commentators. “Cart Cam” will also be featured throughout the competition. The event will be closed to the public, and tournament organizers are working with public health officials on competition and production logistics to ensure the event follows safety and health protocols.