Rory vs. DJ Will Play For Charity in November

I suppose if the number one golfer in the world is unavailable, the second best golfer in the world would be a natural replacement.

That was initially the plan when this one-on-one charity event was planned.  Jason Day, now sidelined due to back issues, wanted to raise money for his mother’s home country after a devastating typhoon ravaged the Philippines and killed members of his family.

The event will include a gala dinner and an auction on Nov. 28, which features bidding to be caddies for Johnson and McIlroy over nine holes, along with other memorabilia.

But one can’t help but believe that this will actually be a more entertaining match-up.  The last we saw Johnson and McIlroy, they were battling for the TOUR Championship.  Rory wound up winning the $10 million purse, while DJ won Player of the Year.

A video posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Oct 31, 2016 at 6:43am PDT

The two are obviously at the top of their games and are far and away the most exciting to watch, especially with a driver in their hands.

“It will be a cool match,” McIlroy said.  “I’m happy that Dustin wanted to come and take part.  Obviously, it was going to be Jason, and it would have been special for him with his ties to the Philippines.  It’s a place I’ve never been.  I’ve met a lot of Filipino people along the way that are always nice and courteous and welcoming, and I’m looking forward to that hospitality in Manila.”

As Kyle Porter points out, McIlroy finished No. 1 on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained driving last season.  Johnson finished No. 2.  They both exceeded 1.1 strokes gained per round off the tee.  Nobody else even cleared one.

A photo posted by Dustin Johnson (@djohnsonpga) on Oct 31, 2016 at 12:43am PDT

To play in the event, DJ had to withdraw from the Hero World Championship, but apparently “you know who” (I’ve sworn off writing about him until he actually plays) is planning on playing in that tournament, so DJ likely won’t be missed.

“It should be a lot of fun,” Johnson said Wednesday at the HSBC Champions.  “I like playing against Rory, and I’ve never been to the Philippines.”

Cover Photo via Instagram