18 May 2020

5 things we learned from the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins match

The star-studded return of golf did not disappoint in the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins match with Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson prevailing as the winners in a dramatic clash with Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff.

Here are five things we learned from the exhibition event at Seminole Golf Club in Florida:

Wolff is a beast

McIlroy and Johnson are two of the longest hitters out there – but Wolff showed he’s got the power and speed to match them. He won the long drive contests on two designated holes with drives of 356 and 368 yards which helped saw win $450,000 for charity. Not many people expected the 21 year old to have the driving prowess to beat Rory and DJ.

Strange without caddies 

Seeing the players carry their own bags seemed bizarre, but was very relatable for all the weekend warriors watching from home. One of the funniest moments was when Johnson actually forgot that he has to carry his own bag! See below:

Shorts are popular

The players seemed relaxed being able to play in shorts. One of our latest #WWGDebates has been on whether the rules around golf attire should be eased and it seems that would be a popular move after watching the action last night.

Rory doesn’t feel pressure

Early in the round, Rory was trash talking Wolff and reminded him about winning two FedEx Cups worth $25million. He sunk the putt and then stepped up again to get closest to the flag in the play-off hole to decide the contest. The Ulsterman certainly proved why he’s World No.1.

Large amounts were raised for charity

TaylorMade Driving Relief raised a total of $5.5 million during play, with the money raised going directly to organizations leading the COVID-19 efforts on the front line. Of that total, nearly 1.1 million came from view donations.

It’s not too late to contribute to the cause if you also want to help. Go to www.pgatour.com/drivingrelief to make a donation. The window to donate will remain open until 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 19. 


The PGA Tour returns on June 11 with the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas where both McIlroy and Johnson are confirmed to compete once again.

Share this article
Swing Sequence

Drive It Like Rory McIlroy

By Jonathan Craddock, Peter Cowen Academy Dubai When it comes to...

Bryson DeChambeau’s Driver Swing

By Jonathan Craddock, Peter Cowen Academy Pro Bryson DeChambeau is one...

Related articles

McIlroy Eyes Red Devils Buy-In After Masters Jackpot

Fresh off slipping on that long-awaited Green Jacket, Rory McIlroy’s next...

Langer Drives Off One last Time In Style

After 41 appearances and two Green Jackets, Bernhard Langer has finally...

Sole Purpose – Wilson’s True Fit

A Ryder Cup star in 2008 and a multiple DP World...

Masters Trailblazer Peter McEvoy Dies at 72

Peter McEvoy, who made history in 1978 by becoming the first...

Al Laith

When the world’s best golfers arrive at a tournament, everything is...

 La Réserve Golf Links – A Golfer’s Island Paradise

For golf lovers in the Middle East, the long summer months...