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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new venture, Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) has finally teed off after a yearlong delay, with the new technology-led indoor golf simulator spectacle billed as the latest innovation to shake up the golf world. Having invested more than $50million in the venture, Woods et co will be hoping the venture is a hit with audiences following its launch on ESPN earlier this month.

Superstar backers Woods and McIlroy have been keen to stress the innovative nature of their game. This is golf reimagined for the 21st Century – complete with fantasy courses created as television spectacle – which aims to breathe new life into the sport following some tumultuous changes, not least the upheaval caused by the launch of the LIV Golf series.

Launched in January 2025, more than one million people tuned in for the inaugural TGL Golf TV broadcast. TGL employs a combination of traditional golf play and advanced simulation technology to bring live golf to indoor arenas. Several of golf’s top stars are part of the series, including world number two Schauffele, two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, former US Open champion Justin Rose and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, not to mention Tiger Woods himself.

The innovative new venture aims to deliver fast paced action and new features, including fantasy environments, mic’d up players and a 40-second ‘shot clock’ counter, to bring viewers closer to the action and the stars, transforming the spectator experience and making golf a more attractive product for broadcasting.

TGL teams will play 15 holes of golf each match, divided into two sessions: 9 holes of Triples (3 vs. 3 alternate shot) and 6 holes of Singles (head-to-head play). The top four sides will earn a spot in the play-offs, which begin on 17 March. The golfers, who all wear microphones to help bring audiences closer to the action, begin holes by hitting shots into a large simulator screen. Once less than 50 yards from the hole, the players will switch from the simulator to hitting into live-action greens, which vary for each hole thanks to a rotating turntable featuring 600 motors to alter the slopes of the putting surface.

The set up and arena are truly impressive, with some of golf’s best course design companies the architects behind 30 new holes, “inspired by authentic golf landscapes such as links, canyons, coastal, deserts and tropical settings” at the SoFi Centre in California.

Ultimately TGL Golf has been created as a TV spectacle and its success or failure will rest on whether it is able to bring in sufficient audiences. The format certainly has some attractions, not least the fast pace of the competition, the unique format and use of technology (some holes feature volcanoes, lava and floating islands), not to mention the chance to see Tiger back on the (albeit digitalised) links.

The advent of the LIV tour has certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons, sending golf’s traditionalists scrambling for ways to make the sport look relevant and interesting. Success for the venture is therefore likely to hinge on whether TGL can understand, distil and convey its identity to viewers. Where TGL could find success is ultimately at the less hardcore end of the golf fan spectrum, drawing in casual viewers and fans who are keen to see their heroes in a different situation.

If TGL focuses on the lighter hearted aspects of the format and shows pro-golfers having a bit of fun and sharing their personalities, then it could prove to be just the tonic golf needs. But if it tries to veer too far into the realms of serious golf it could just alienate the very people who could make it a success. Only time will tell if TGL is just a gimmick, or the innovation to take golf “into another stratosphere”, as Woods hopes.

Contact our Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial expert:

David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial teams. If you would like to contact him, please call on either 07968 027343 or, 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.

The above is accurate as at 21 January 2025. The information above may be subject to change.

The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.


Category: News, Blog | Date: 21st Jan 2025


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