Count Rory McIlroy out for the highly anticipated Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson holiday one-on-one golf match.

Though McIlroy contemplated watching “The Match” between Woods and Mickelson, and was even offered the money to buy it on pay-per-view,

he ultimately decided it was a hard “no” considering it’s nearly 2019.

McIlroy: Tiger-Phil misses the mark

McIlroy said Tuesday during a DP World Tour Championships press conference that he considered watching the matchup,

and told Mickelson as much during lunch at a FedEx Cup event. He said Mickelson tried to give him $25 to cover the cost.

“Look, geez, if they had have done it 15 years ago it would have been great, but I think nowadays it missed the mark a bit,” McIlroy said.

A better battle for the ages closer to 2003

The two golf legends have battled in tour events for more than 20 years. Mickelson, 48, joined the PGA Tour in 1992 and Woods, 42, in 1996. Their first matchup was the following year.

“The iconic Tiger Woods and five-time Major Champion Phil Mickelson are generational talents who have transcended the game of golf and their rivalry continues to be one of the most compelling in the history of sports,” president of Turner David Levy said in August when announcing the event.

Woods holds 80 Tour titles, including the Tour Championship this year. Yet before that victory he hadn’t won since 2013 while he also took some time away.

He has the second-most major victories of all-time at 14 with four consecutive in 2000-01.

Mickelson has 43 Tour titles, including the 2018 World Golf Championships-Mexico Championships, which axed a five-year drought for the legend. He has five major victories, though none at the U.S. Open where he finished runner-up six times.

Woods won more head-to-head meetings at 18-15-4.

Their victories this year have given them needed momentum into the head-to-head matchup with a $9 million purse on the line, but both are on the back end of their careers. Those who have taken over, such as 29-year-old McIlroy, remember how much emotion went into a Mickelson vs. Woods showdown when they were, say, 13 years old.

Tiger vs. Phil: date, time, cost

The two golfers will battle for the $9 million prize the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, Nov. 23). It’s scheduled to start at 3 p.m. from Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas, which will be closed to the public with the exception of VIPs.

The pay-per-view has a “suggested retail price” or $19.99. There will also be side bets like longest drive and closest-to-the-pin for each golfer’s preferred charity.

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Source: USA Today