Skins Game Returns After 2008 Hiatus

This past Friday marked the return of the Skins Game, a popular golf event that hasn’t taken place since 2008. And while some players walked away victorious, there was one notable player who went home empty-handed.

In the last edition of the Skins Game, four participants had come from the Ryder Cup held that September. The U.S. team featured Keegan Bradley and Xander Schauffele, while Team Europe had Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, the latter claiming victory with a decisive 18th-hole performance at Bethpage Black.

Fast forward to this latest iteration, and Bradley emerged as the standout performer, winning a remarkable $2.1 million at Panther National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This sum included a hefty $900,000 just for sinking a birdie on the par-3 12th hole. At that moment, it was the largest prize ever awarded in a Skins Game—until Fleetwood, surprisingly, netted $1.25 million after just three holes.

Bradley racked up an impressive total of 11 skins, with most of those coming in the initial two holes. Fleetwood wasn’t far behind, taking home $1.7 million. In contrast, Lowry’s earnings were significantly less, amounting to only $200,000, while Schauffele, despite his efforts, left without a cent.

After the final round, all golfers received oversized checks as a symbol of their earnings. Schauffele’s, however, had “Zero Dollars” prominently displayed. Nonetheless, he maintained a positive outlook.

“This was actually the first check I ever received,” Schauffele commented, adding, “I’m going to display this in my living room. That’s the motivation. Honestly, I think this is probably the last skins game I’ll ever play.”

Initially, the event kicked off with a million-dollar pool, which was gradually diminished as players won skins.

The Skins Game once enjoyed a beloved place on television over Thanksgiving weekends, running from 1983 until its break in 2008. Legendary player Fred Couples took home five titles during its run.