The highly-anticipated TGL golf league, known for its tech-infused format, is making waves in the world of golf. Run by TMRW Sports, a company co-founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy last year, the league's inaugural season is set to tee off on January 9.
Tiger Woods, a 15-time major champion and co-founder of TMRW Sports, is not only expected to play in this exciting league but has also taken on the role of co-owner for the Jupiter Links Golf Club team. He shares ownership responsibilities with David Blitzer, co-managing partner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL's New Jersey Devils.
In a surprising move, Woods has taken a swipe at the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, suggesting that TGL's straightforward approach is more appealing, saying, "Some of the stuff I've seen in LIV... I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. Here it's very simple."
Living in Jupiter, Florida, Woods expressed his excitement about representing his hometown through the Jupiter Links GC. He believes that TGL's innovative use of technology will make golf more accessible and appealing to a modern audience. Woods mentioned, "Generally, golf takes about five or six hours to play. In today's world, with all of our smartphones, it is hard for anybody to go five to six hours without looking at their phones. So the shorter the time, the better it is."
David Blitzer, co-owner of Jupiter Links GC, emphasised the influence of Tiger Woods and the potential impact of their partnership, stating, "Tiger Woods is one of the most influential and iconic athletes in the history of sports, and I'm thrilled to partner with him to form Jupiter Links GC. Golf is a sport that has a proven ability to bring people together from all over the world, and I'm excited by the potential reach and impact we can have as a team and league."
TGL events will take place in Florida, specifically at the SoFiCenter within the Palm Beach State College campus, where players will compete over 15 holes. TGL's unique combination of an oversized simulator and a tech-infused green that can change contours will undoubtedly introduce golf to a new audience.
The league features six teams, including Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club, TGL New York, and TGL San Francisco, in addition to Jupiter Links GC. These teams will face each other in league play, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals and the season concluding with a best-of-three final.
While the full roster for Woods' Jupiter team is yet to be confirmed, Boston has already unveiled their star-studded lineup, featuring Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott. Other prominent players, such as Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, will represent Atlanta and Los Angeles, respectively.
Although Jon Rahm was initially set to participate in the inaugural tournament, he has since withdrawn, leaving fans eager to see how the TGL season unfolds without his presence.