The Golf Channel games were an action-packed, exciting addition to the golf offseason, which was incredibly well-received.
This skills challenge saw teams led by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy go head-to-head over six challenges, and Scheffler’s team emerged victorious after a single-shot shootout between him and McIlroy.
The event, featuring some of the sport’s best-known personalities like Shane Lowry and Keegan Bradley, had players testing their abilities with a driving, short-game, and 14-club challenge, as well as a fast-paced relay.
The event was held at Trump National Golf Club, so Donald Trump’s son, Eric, and niece, Kai, attended. But what were Eric’s real feelings about the Golf Channel games?
What Eric Trump thought of Golf Channel games
Eric Trump, the son of President Trump, who is well known for being an avid golfer, attended the event and was a big fan. He said the event kept golf “fun”, which was a great change of pace from the typical PGA Tour events.
He said to the Daily Mail, “I absolutely love it. Golf needs a lot more of this… it keeps golf young, keeps golf fun. It seems like every sport has a skills challenge other than golf, it’s awesome to have the first one here.
He continued, “It works incredibly well… these guys love it too. They’re having a blast. “Golf can be a formal game, but also golf needs a little bit of informality… you need that in order to make a sport mainstream. Golf has never been hotter.”
Golf continues to try and modernize as its popularity has surged among young people in recent years. Professionals buying into YouTube golf has certainly been helpful in that.
As has events like these, the recent return of the Skins Game, and the TGL simulator league, all fun events which aim to bring out the personality of the players. And after the success of this event, expect many more to come!
What Rory McIlroy thought about the Golf Channel games
McIlroy looked to be enjoying the event, especially during the relay where he was seen sprinting across the green to play a bunker shot.
And after the event he gave his thoughts on X (previously Twitter): “Great time at the inaugural @Optum @GolfChannel Games. Excited to extend my partnership with Versant as we continue to create more golf content and make it easier for golfers to connect with the game.
“Now off to Sports Personality of the Year…”
McIlroy then won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award for an incredible 2025 season, which saw him win The Masters and an away Ryder Cup. A good week all round!
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