In a star-studded prelude to the 150th Open at St Andrews this past July, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy shared the limelight during the “Celebration of Champions” event. But they’re back and teaming up for something even bigger.
Launching on January 9, 2024, is a cutting-edge indoor golf league, initiated by the dynamic duo of Woods and McIlroy. This venture has also caught the attention of other sporting legends, securing a whopping fifteen of the top 20 world-ranked players from the PGA Tour for its maiden season.
The entire spectacle will unfold on your TV screens from a state-of-the-art facility situated in sunny Florida. And guess what? The league isn’t short of celebrity backing—Serena and Venus Williams, Stephen Curry, and the ownership behind Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group, have all thrown their weight behind it.
Though the league is still a work-in-progress—like sorting out prize money, team names and rosters—here’s a rundown of the juiciest tidbits we’ve gleaned so far.
What’s the Deal?
Branded as TGL, the league will be orchestrated by TMRW Sports, a technology-centric sports enterprise founded by Woods and McIlroy in August 2022. The inaugural season will showcase six squads of four golfers each, duking it out in a league structure. And here’s the kicker: only three out of the four members will actively participate in each event.
Five cities across the United States—Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco—have already been linked to teams. Stephen Curry is lending his star power to San Francisco’s franchise, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams are backing the LA contingent. Fenway Sports Group is putting their chips on Boston’s table.
The games will be hosted at the Sofi Center, located within Palm Beach State College. Expect about two hours of top-tier golf action, aired live for U.S. audiences. The venue is ready to welcome roughly 1,600 fans per event.
Who’s in the Lineup?
Well, the league would be kind of a snoozefest without Woods and McIlroy, wouldn’t it? Joining them will be Spain’s Jon Rahm and America’s Justin Thomas. Thomas, a two-time major champ, has been officially rostered by Atlanta Drive GC as of October 31.
And there’s more! World number one Scottie Scheffler, along with fellow Americans Patrick Cantlay, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele, have all hopped on board. England’s not sitting this one out either, with Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose confirmed. Ireland will be represented by Shane Lowry.
How Does the Game Play Out?
Each matchup will pit two teams against each other, with two points going to the winners. A game comprises two segments. The first involves nine holes of ‘triples,’ where all three players from each team play alternate shots. The second part consists of six holes of ‘singles’ featuring one-on-one play for each golfer.
Win a hole, earn a point; simple as that. The team accumulating the most points wins the match. In case of a deadlock, a “closest to the pin” shootout will serve as the tiebreaker.
The top four squads will make it to the semifinals, which lead to a best-of-three final showdown.
Indoor Golf, Really?
Yes, really! Players will tee off on a gargantuan screen via golf simulators for each hole. This screen is about the size of 20 regular screens, measuring 64ft x 46ft. For shorter shots, about 50 yards or less, players will shift to adaptable greens that change slope thanks to 189 actuators and jacks.
And no, we’re not revisiting iconic golf courses here. The league is coming up with freshly-designed holes tailored specifically for the TGL season.
Strap in, folks. We’re on the cusp of what might just be a new era in golf entertainment. And with the names involved, you know it’s gonna be one for the record books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TGL Indoor Golf League
What is the TGL Indoor Golf League?
The TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League) is a groundbreaking indoor golf league launched by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Orchestrated by TMRW Sports, the league features six teams of four players each and aims to modernize the sport with cutting-edge technology.
Who are some of the major names involved in TGL?
Aside from founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, the league has attracted other top-tier golfers including Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler. Off the green, celebrities like Serena and Venus Williams and NBA star Stephen Curry are backing the project.
When and where will TGL events take place?
The league kicks off on January 9, 2024, with events hosted at the Sofi Center at Palm Beach State College in Florida. Each game will last approximately two hours and will be televised live in the United States.
How does the gameplay work in TGL?
Each TGL event will feature two teams competing for points over two segments: nine holes of ‘triples’ and six holes of ‘singles.’ Points are awarded for winning holes, and the team with the most points wins the match. Tiebreakers are decided with a “closest to the pin” shootout.
What kind of technology is involved in TGL?
The league is utilizing advanced golf simulators for tee shots, projected onto screens that are about 20 times larger than standard screens. For shorter shots, adaptable greens are employed, which can alter their slopes through a system of 189 actuators and jacks.
How can people watch the TGL events?
TGL events will be broadcast live in the United States, offering around two hours of gameplay. The venue, the Sofi Center at Palm Beach State College, is also open to spectators and has a capacity for roughly 1,600 fans.
Are there any unknowns or pending details about TGL?
Yes, several details such as the prize money, the name and owner of the sixth team, and which golfers will be assigned to which teams are yet to be finalized.
What’s so special about this league?
The TGL aims to revolutionize golf by merging it with state-of-the-art technology and creating a fast-paced, high-stakes, and televised competition. Its endorsement by top-ranked golfers and a range of celebrities also gives it a unique blend of sports and entertainment allure.
Will TGL feature any traditional golf courses?
No, TGL is not planning to use existing iconic golf courses for its matches. Instead, they’re designing new holes specifically tailored for the indoor league.
Who is the target audience for TGL?
While golf aficionados will naturally be drawn to TGL, the league is aiming to attract a broader audience, including younger fans and people interested in technology and sports innovation.
More about TGL Indoor Golf League
- Official TGL Website
- TMRW Sports Company Profile
- Tiger Woods’ Career Highlights
- Rory McIlroy’s Career Highlights
- Interview with Serena and Venus Williams on TGL Involvement
- Stephen Curry Discusses TGL and Golf
- PGA Tour Player Rankings
- The Future of Golf and Technology
- Inside the Sofi Center at Palm Beach State College
- Fenway Sports Group and Their Involvement in TGL
