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Phil Mickelson wants to make 'The Match' a regular thing with a rotating cast of celebrities

Phil Mickelson enjoyed “The Match” as much as everyone else in the United States. Encouraged by the attention “The Match” received, Mickelson is already planning ways to make it a regular event, which would include a number of celebrities, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Mickelson, 49, mentioned a few possible iterations moving forward, including one where he and Tiger Woods teamed up to take down a team of younger golfers. But Mickelson also mentioned inviting different celebrities, like Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry or even Bill Murray, to take part in the event.

“What if Tiger and I were to team up and take on two younger players, or what if we were to team up with younger players and have it be a real high-level golf competition?” Mickelson said. “I think there’s a market for that. But you have to have some personality in there, too, so a guy like Justin Thomas showed how funny he is and he would add a lot to an event like that.

“I think you could showcase guys like Steph Curry and Michael Jordan or Tony Romo and Patrick Mahomes, who are all good golfers, elite talents and have great personalities. Those personalities are going to come out with this event. Or you could have someone who loves the game and is competitive but is really entertaining like Larry David and Bill Murray. I think that could shine.”

No idea is too outlandish after a record amount of viewers tuned into “The Match” on Sunday. The event averaged 5.8 million viewers and peaked at 6.3 million viewers. Both of those figures set records and made “The Match” the most-watched cable golf telecast. ESPN’s Jordan documentary, “The Last Dance,” averaged 5.6 million viewers per week. “The Match” beat it out.

The addition of celebrity athletes — like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady — did wonders for the event this time around. Bryan Zuriff, a TV producer who initially pitched the idea to Mickelson, said Brady and Manning brought personality to the event. When Mickelson and Woods took part in the first iteration of “The Match,” in which they were the only two playing, they got quiet and intense at the end. It made for good golf, but bad entertainment, according to Zuriff.

Mickelson and Woods still have to oppose each other one more time before the event can undergo drastic changes. The two originally agreed to three head-to-head events. With Woods and Mickelson each taking home a win, a third “The Match” is needed to determine a winner.

After that, the pair is free to do whatever it wants. Mickelson is already brainstorming about the possibilities.

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