October 31, 2025
October 31, 2025
Originally introduced in 1983 as an unofficial money event on the PGA TOUR, The Skins Game became a staple on the sports calendar, showcasing high-stakes competition among golf’s biggest stars, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples, Gary Player and Tiger Woods.
Created to showcase the sport's biggest stars in a made-for-TV format, golf fans watched as legends of the game battled hole-by-hole for escalating cash prices in a format new to most audiences. Instead of traditional stroke play over four rounds, the Skins Game condensed all the drama into 18 holes of pure competition each year during Thanksgiving week.
The debut match was contested at Desert Highlands in Scottsdale, Arizona between Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Legendary sportscaster Vin Scully called the match for NBC as Player took home the win.
In just its third year running, The Skins Game became the highest-rated televised golf tournament—out-rating Jack Nicklaus winning his sixth green jacket earlier that year.
In its 26 consecutive years running, The Skins Game was known for high purses with the last event in 2008 featuring a $1 million purse option divided by hole. K.J Choi reigns as the champion after his 2008 win earned him $415,000.