14 days until golf: Euro Tour creates sport's most entertaining challenge
The PGA Tour plans to restart its season June 11 after halting due to the coronavirus pandemic. Each day until then, we'll highlight key moments, people, or facts relating to where we are in the countdown.
The European Tour rolled out the 14-club challenge in May 2018, and it's quickly become one of the most entertaining series in golf.
Its rules are simple: Each player gets seven shots. A point is awarded every time a player hits the green, but once one player uses a specific club, neither player can use it again.
The challenge creates pressure to hit the green with clubs ideally suited for the hole's length, and it showcases players' ability to get creative when attempting to hit a ball on the green with drivers, wedges, and putters from over 150 yards.
Here are a few of the best from a series you could spend hours consuming.
Rahm vs. Cabrera Bello
Rahm 🆚 Rafa
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 6, 2019
An all-Spanish #14ClubChallenge in Dubai pic.twitter.com/t7CP2vxIaI
Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera Bello alternated shots into an island green in a great duel between the Spaniards.
Garica vs. Stenson
My first #14ClubChallenge and I get the Ice Man! 🥶😆
— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) January 31, 2020
Great fun taking on @HenrikStenson #SaudiIntlGolf pic.twitter.com/praz8g3nAk
Two of the more famous European golfers in Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson battled it out and provided plenty of laughs along the way.
Pepperell vs. Fox
Fox 🆚 Pepperell
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 4, 2019
Possibly the greatest #14ClubChallenge yet... pic.twitter.com/vdi8s2AiTz
This one is worth watching for Eddie Pepperell's personality alone.
Westwood vs. Willet
Alright Westy lad, let’s do it. #14ClubChallenge under the lights. Bring it on! pic.twitter.com/DbtcAV1ozC
— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) November 2, 2018
2016 Masters champion Danny Willet took on former world No. 1 Lee Westwood in an entertaining match under the lights.
Stricker vs. Harrington
🇪🇺 Harrington 🆚 Stricker 🇺🇸
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 4, 2019
The countdown to Whistling Straits is on!#14ClubChallenge pic.twitter.com/FjJCdHejq9
In a preview for the 2020 Ryder Cup, captains Steve Stricker and Padraig Harrington went toe to toe at Whistling Straits.