Tiger Woods is all set to make his debut in the TGL Indoor League during the second week, as per the newly released schedule. The league will conclude two weeks before the Masters, with six teams competing in the inaugural season on ESPN. Rory McIlroy, a co-owner of TMRW Sports along with Woods, will join the league in the fourth week after his return from playing in Dubai on the European tour.
The TGL is set to kick off on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The arena is as big as a football field and can accommodate around 1,500 spectators. In this league, three players from each four-man team will participate in 15-hole matches that combine virtual and real-time golf. Players will hit longer shots into a massive 3,400-square-foot screen, while shots from 50 yards and closer will be played on a 41-yard turntable green that offers a variety of shot options.
The first match will be between New York Golf Club led by Xander Schauffele and The Bay Golf Club from San Francisco, captained by Ludvig Aberg and Wyndham Clark. The match is scheduled for 9 p.m. following a college basketball game. Woods’ Jupiter Golf Club will compete in the second week, following the NFL wild card playoff game on Monday night.
The TGL aims to provide a unique and fast-paced golf experience, with matches consisting of nine holes of alternating shots and six holes of singles play. A 40-second shot clock will ensure matches fit into a two-hour time frame. Mike McCarley, the CEO and founder of TMRW Sports, envisions TGL as a live and immersive golf experience on a large scale, complementing the PGA Tour with its team competition format.
The regular season will conclude on March 4, with the semifinals scheduled for March 17 and 18, following The Players Championship. The best-of-three final will take place on March 24-25. Each team will play five times during the regular season, with the schedule designed based on feedback from the 24 players and their tour commitments.
Notable players like Hideki Matsuyama will be representing Boston Common Golf in the league, with Matsuyama playing the first two weeks in Hawaii. The TGL promises to offer an exciting and innovative approach to golf, attracting fans with its unique format and top-tier players.
This new concept of indoor golf league is expected to redefine the traditional golf experience and provide an engaging platform for players and fans alike. With top players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy on board, the TGL is set to captivate audiences and showcase a thrilling blend of technology and sportsmanship. Stay tuned for the exciting matches and intense competition in the upcoming weeks.
