The PGA Tour is taking steps to reclaim control of made-for-TV golf matches, including the revival of The Skins Game, a series that once held a prominent place in the holiday season sports calendar. The original Skins Game featured top stars on the PGA Tour competing for cash prizes in a televised event that became a tradition for golf fans. Despite its popularity, the Skins Game was canceled in 2008 due to declining ratings after LG dropped out as a sponsor.
In 2018, Hollywood producer Bryan Zuriff brought back the concept with a match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson called The Match. While the PGA Tour did not have broadcast rights to the event, players were granted waivers to participate, leading to continued success for The Match. Now, the PGA Tour is partnering with Pro Shop to revive The Skins Game, with plans for a match on Black Friday 2025. The Tour will own the rights to the event but will work with Pro Shop and Propagate Media for distribution.
The PGA Tour’s decision to revive The Skins Game is part of a larger effort to strengthen its media presence in the digital age. With investments in media outlets like Pro Shop and events like the Creator Classic and PGA Tour studios, the Tour is looking to maintain ownership from concept to distribution. The return of The Skins Game marks a significant move for the Tour in the realm of golf television, where it aims to assert its corporate footprint.
The announcement of The Skins Game revival comes in the midst of other made-for-TV golf matches, including the Crypto.com Showdown featuring PGA Tour players and LIV players. Unlike the Crypto.com Showdown, The Skins Game will be owned by the PGA Tour and distributed by Pro Shop, giving both parties the freedom to create a unique vision for the event. Propagate, known for its work with streaming platforms, will handle distribution and production for The Skins Game.
The PGA Tour’s partnership with Pro Shop, co-founded by Chad Mumm, allows for innovation in the presentation and format of The Skins Game. With experience in producing popular series like Full Swing on Netflix, Pro Shop and Propagate have the creative freedom to reimagine the iconic event for today’s sports fans. The return of The Skins Game represents a strategic move by the PGA Tour to maintain control over its media business and engage audiences in new and exciting ways.
