Not to be confused with the professional level Match (but don't call it The Match) between Bryson, Brooks, Scottie and Rory in December, The Match Superstars announced their field for the event airing in November.
As the image above shows, the field will include professional athletes Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Phelps, Charles Barkley, Wayne Gretzky, and Blake Griffin. Plus, the field includes actors Mark Wahlberg and Bill Murray.
And there's Nate Bargatze. For those who don't recall, Nate is a comedian who recently hosted SNL. An episode that included a pre-shot golf-themed sketch—highlighted in this exact newsletter. He's been hailed as an "everyman", "the nicest man in stand-up" and "the king of clean comedy". Not to say he won't be enjoyable, but mostly impressed that he rose to the level of fame to be included in the field.
Back to the event, it will be spread across two days with 2v2 match play on day one and the winning four players competing in 1v1 match play on day two.
While I have no idea how good any of these guys will be on the course, I did want to power rank who I think will be most entertaining on the live mics throughout the round.
8) Wayne Gretzky - seems like the wrong mix of hyper competitive yet nice. Can't imagine him giving us much besides genuine compliments and maybe a try-too-hard poking fun moment or two.
7) Ken Griffey Jr. - see the above but I found some articles online that mentioned he does have a good wit once you get to know him. So at least there's a chance that he may land some well-timed jabs.
6) Michael Phelps - certainly more comfortable on camera given the boatload of time he spent on-air during the Olympics coverage. But I see his live mic moments being more run-of-the-mill, jock-style material than actually entertaining.
5) Blake Griffin - outside of Chuck, he's my vote for most entertaining athlete of the bunch. He's got major personality and the only watch-out I could see is if he doesn't play well early, he strikes me as a guy that may go silent on ya when things turn south.
4) Mark Wahlberg - has the potential to overplay his hand on the commentary. I would guess it's a 50/50 call on whether he comes off as fun and affable or rude and a jerk. And for that reason, I can't put him any higher.
3) Bill Murray - maybe my most controversial ranking, I worry that Bill is turning the corner into surly. Prove me wrong and I would guess most people would assume he takes the top spot when all is said and done on entertainment value. Don't get me wrong, I love his schtick... but if mean Bill comes out then it could cost him.
2) Nate Bargatze - I'm doing it. I'm going with the untested rookie. Look he's a comedian, so he will likely have pre-written material already in his mind. Plus, he should have the ability to throw some off-the-cuff zingers in there with an understated kind of presence.
1) Chuck - He's done too many of these now not to be #1. He understands what makes good TV and should have great instincts on when and where to be funny. Hopefully his team makes it to day two—though now that his swing isn't the train wreck it used to be, he's lost a few points...
