What happens when you mix tradition with technology? A standing ovation with a side of criticism, of course. That pretty much sums up the story of TGL. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s brainchild has stirred up its fair share of debate, along with all the buzz. It’s a fresh take on golf. At its core, TGL is all about innovation. Think simulator screens that mimic real courses, paired with a stadium setting. It’s golf, but not as you know it. And that’s the narrative we’ve been hearing—until Rickie Fowler chimed in with his contrasting views.

Fowler, who’s part of TGL’s New York Golf Club team, has been honest from the start.“It is not real golf, but it’s not, you know, hitting balls in your bedroom simulator or office simulator. It’s somewhere kind of in between,” he said earlier. Fair enough. After his team’s first match, they ended up on the losing side. Fowler added a little spice to the conversation—and raised a few eyebrows along the way.

Rickie Fowler does not see TGL as golf’s future

Woods and McIlroy are busy hailing it as the future of golf. Rory McIlroy echoed this sentiment, calling TGL “reimagined golf” and highlighting its effort to “take golf into the 21st century” with cutting-edge technology, team dynamics, and the energy of other sports. Even Ludvig Åberg, the rising star, is sold. “I think it’s the future of golf, and it’s really cool to be a part of,” he said after his TGL experience. Or ask Woods who sees TGL as a game-changer. For him, it’s “not traditional golf but it’s golf,”

Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “It’s really cool walking into an arena and doing what we got to do there. We all wish it would have went a bit differently. This is something fun for the game of golf, and it’s not trying to compete with what we do on the TOUR. This is a supplement to the game.” Basically, for him, TGL is less about revolutionizing golf and more about exploring its creative side.

“I want to come in here with a group of buddies, these guys, and bring some more and just go have some fun, turn some games on the screens. It’s a glorified man cave in a way,” continued Fowler, sharing how he really feels about TGL. For Fowler, the TGL doesn’t scream “future of golf” as much as it does “golf simulator night with the boys.” And honestly, is that so bad? You tell us! 

So, is the TGL really golf’s bold step into the future, or is Fowler’s “man cave” comparison closer to the truth? The reality may lie somewhere in between. But so far as we have seen, TGL has more supporters than critics.

Billy Horschel thinks very highly of TGL

If Woods, McIlroy, and Åberg weren’t enough to fuel the TGL buzz, Billy Horschel is here to pour even more praise on the tech-infused league. Horschel, part of the 24-player roster, thinks TGL is a win for both die-hard golf fans and newcomers alike. “For the hardcore golf fan, they are going to enjoy all the numbers and data,” he told Sky Sports. 

“The launch conditions, how much a ball has spun, how far did it go – they are going to get a kick out of that.” Horschel is especially excited about how TGL lets players showcase a more personal side. “We can show the side that people may not see out on the golf course and show them a little bit more of who we are behind closed doors,” he said. Something Paige Spiranac also spoke about. 

He’s been a fan of the concept since its early pitch in 2022 and thinks it could make the sport more accessible “Going to a golf course and trying to learn how to play the game is scary for beginners,” he explained. “I’m excited because this can open another avenue to getting more people involved in the game of golf.”

For Horschel, TGL isn’t just about competition—it’s about connecting with fans, breaking down barriers, and growing the game in new and exciting ways. What do you think of TGL?