The first-ever Optum Golf Channel Games, held at the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, on December 17th, ended dramatically. It came down to a single inch as Scottie Scheffler narrowly defeated Rory McIlroy in a playoff. But what should have been a thrilling finish is now sparking debate, as fans are questioning the final result.

The format of the event was unlike any traditional golf tournament. McIlroy and Scheffler captained opposing four-man teams, with McIlroy joined by Shane Lowry, Haotong Li, and Luke Donald. Scheffler’s squad featured Sam Burns, Luke Clanton, and Keegan Bradley. These two teams had to compete under time and strategy-based formats, including driving accuracy & short-game challenges under a clock and a fourteen-club closest-to-the-pin contest, to name a few.

The final part of the Games came down to McIlroy and Scheffler in the captain’s challenge, with Scheffler’s team holding the lead until then. But Rory McIlroy jumped ahead early, leading 2 to 1 after Scheffler found the water. By the fifth shot, McIlroy held a 4–0 advantage, extending to 6–1 by the ninth hole. Ultimately, McIlroy closed the round with a 15-foot putt, resulting in a tie and forcing a playoff.
From 47 yards out in the playoff, Rory McIlroy hit his shot to six feet. Scheffler responded with an even closer attempt, landing just one inch closer. But it wasn’t as straightforward. When the officials went to measure it the first time, one of them pointed to McIlroy’s shot being closer. Everyone, including McIlroy, thought he had won. However, after multiple measurements, officials confirmed Scheffler as the winner, securing the championship for his team.

But the pause, the re-measuring, and the initial signal were enough to raise eyebrows, and the moment quickly shifted from celebration to scrutiny, as it set off a wave of reactions from fans watching closely.

Fans Question Optum Golf Channel Games’ Result After Dramatic Playoff Finish

Almost immediately after the final ruling, social media lit up with confusion over what viewers believed they saw during the measurement. Several fans pointed to the initial moment when an official appeared to indicate McIlroy’s ball was closer. One viewer wrote, “Wait, they gave it to Scheffler..? They literally said ‘this one’s closer’ over Rory’s ball.” Another added, “Didn’t they say Rory was closer?? Super confusing ending.”

For many watching the event live on TV and even through the clip on social, the sequence of events felt unclear and abrupt. Others went further, questioning how the decision ultimately changed after the re-measurement. “Wait, they said Rory’s was closer than crowned Scottie?? The MOST normal!” one fan posted sarcastically. The pause, combined with the on-air discussion among officials, left some viewers unsure what had changed between measurements.

A smaller but louder group accused officials of wrongdoing, pointing to the live broadcast as evidence. The fans even hinted that they likely did this for betting purposes. “The officials cheated, it’s on video, they measured on live TV! Rory’s ball was 1 inch closer, and they gave it to Scottie, likely for betting purposes, Draft Kings etc., check the video!!” one comment read.

While another echoed the same sentiment, stating that, “Rory won the playoff by 1 inch, but they gave it to Scottie. The officials measured, pointed to Rory’s ball, and said it was closer by 1 inch. They clearly cheated for betting purposes, Draft Kings Etc. Check the video, it’s all there!!”

While it was unclear who was actually closer, all the confusion surrounding the measurement caused this stir among fans. Ultimately, officials stood by the final decision, confirming Scottie Scheffler as the winner and closing the first-ever Optum Golf Channel Games with a finish that will be remembered as much for its controversy as its drama.