Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler Return as Team Captains for 2026 Optum Golf Channel Games; Optum Returns as Title Sponsor

Rapid-Fire Team Format Launched in Partnership with PGA TOUR Studios Features Fan-Favorite Events Including 14-Club Challenge and Team Relay

Watch the Best Moments from 2025’s Inaugural Competition

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 8, 2026 – Golf Channel has announced that the Optum Golf Channel Games – the innovative, rapid-fire golf competition featuring Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler that debuted in December 2025 – will return to Golf Channel and USA Network live in primetime Wednesday, December 16, and be staged under the lights at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter in Jupiter, Fla.

Scheffler and McIlroy – the No. 1 and No. 2 men’s players in the world – will return as playing team captains at the 2026 Optum Golf Channel Games, following Team Scheffler’s narrow victory over Team McIlroy last year. Optum will return as the title sponsor for the 2026 Golf Channel Games.

“The maiden voyage of the Optum Golf Channel Games showed that the best players in the world love to compete – period,” said Tom Knapp, Golf Channel EVP and GM. “Adding the stressful element of ‘shot-making’ under the pressure of a running clock produced an amazing amount of energy both on the golf course and within the telecast. That’s what we were after. We’re excited to be back in 2026 and we want to thank our friends at Optum for partnering with us once again.”

“We’re thrilled to continue supporting the Optum Golf Channel Games alongside the PGA TOUR and Rory McIlroy, an Optum Health ambassador,” said Optum CEO Dr. Patrick Conway. “At Optum, we’re focused on building a health system that helps people live healthier lives by connecting care, experiences and well-being across physical, mental and social needs. Golf is a powerful example of that — bringing people together, supporting lifelong wellness and making health more accessible and engaging for everyone.”

The Optum Golf Channel Games debuted to critical acclaim in 2025 as McIlroy and Scheffler led two four-man teams in timed and strategy focused challenges under the pressure of the clock and the primetime lights, including events such as the 14-Club Challenge and the Team Relay. Watch the highlights from last year's game-changing competition here.

For the second consecutive year, the Optum Golf Channel Games will also be simulcast live in primetime on USA Network. More details regarding the 2026 Optum Golf Channel Games – including full list of team competitors and challenges – will be announced later this year.

Producers Mark Loomis and Chris Maguire will lead Golf Channel’s production of the Optum Golf Channel Games, which were launched in association with PGA TOUR Studios and created in partnership with EverWonder Studio and producer Bryan Zuriff.

About Optum

Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group. For more information, visit www.optum.com.

About Golf Channel

Golf Channel – the first-ever single-sport cable network which was founded in 1995 – delivers comprehensive live golf tournament, studio and shoulder programming. Golf Channel features more live coverage of the sport than all other U.S. television networks combined, including events across the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, USGA, R&A, DP World Tour, NCAA, and the Olympics, as well as news coverage via live morning programming and tentpole studio shows including Golf Today, Golf Central and the network’s critically-acclaimed Live From on-site pre- and post-round show at high-profile golf events.

About Versant Media Group, Inc.

Versant Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates in four core markets: political news and opinion; business news and personal finance; golf and athletics participation; and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including MS NOW, CNBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, E!, SYFY and Oxygen, and complementary digital platforms Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass. Visit www.versantmedia.com for more information.

About Trump Golf

Trump Golf is home to a collection of the world’s most iconic golf destinations, with several consistently ranked among the “Top 100” globally. Renowned for hosting prestigious professional tournaments, Trump Golf boasts championship courses designed by leading architects, state-of-the-art practice facilities and world-class amenities.

Beyond the course, members and guests enjoy exclusive experiences, from fine dining and spa services to curated social and family events. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Trump Golf continues to set the standard for luxury golf worldwide.

About PGA TOUR Studios 

PGA TOUR Studios is the creative engine at the heart of golf—offering fans and partners unrivaled access to PGA TOUR players, events and the game’s largest audience—reaching fans through premium storytelling, world-class production capabilities, multi-platform distribution and Fan Forward insights. Since “lights on” at PGA TOUR Studios in January of 2025, its Emmy-nominated creative team has produced an expansive portfolio of content that delivers beyond world-class competition, including Scottie 24 in partnership with Rolex, Xander Embedded presented by Avis, Truth or Putt presented by Dunkin’, and its latest project, Mindful, among other offerings. 

PGA TOUR Studios houses all PGA TOUR media operations, including live production of PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, more than 4,000 hours of PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, as well as the TOUR’s expansive roster of more than 50 original, social and digital media platforms. Internationally, the PGA TOUR Studios-produced World Feed is available across 200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 39 broadcast and digital partners. Learn more about the state-of-the-art facility, its technology and leading role in the media landscape at PGATOUR.COM/Studios. 