Woods’s troubles with injuries, particularly his back problems, have been widely known throughout his career. The pro’s back problems trace back to 2017 when he had spinal fusion surgery to relieve excruciating pain in his leg and back. The surgery was successful, and Woods recovered to win the 2019 Masters. But 2024 brought back all of his suffering. Although he will now be competing at the PNC Championship, fans wanted more of him this year. They almost always do.

He did play in 4 majors, but he missed the cut in three of them. He did tee off at Genesis but withdrew. Then came the hope of seeing him at the Hero World Challenge, but that did not happen either as he was recovering from his sixth back surgery. The news of him teeing off with Charlie was a good sign, seeing him swinging at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach also is. TW Legion, the golfer’s fan page on X reposted ESPN’s TikTok video of TW taking swings into the TGL Simulator. He was not holding his back and did not seem in pain.

TGL, the brainchild of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, is planned to launch on January 7, 2025, and has been generating a lot of attention due to its revolutionary approach to golf. The league’s innovative concept, which features tech-infused GC, a shot clock of 40 seconds to tackle the long-going issue of slow play, and adjustable holes presented on the big screen, has sparked a lot of interest. The matches will be 15 holes long, with the first nine holes played as alternating shots and the latter six holes played as singles.

However, the TGL hasn’t been without controversy. Many fans were put off by the league’s high ticket fees, which started at $160 for general admission. Some fans went so far as to declare they would rather watch Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube channel instead. Others called it a waste of time and money, which is destroying the purity of traditional golf. But Tiger Woods‘s recent update has sparked good reactions from followers, and the enthusiasm for TGL is high in the air.

Fans react positively as Tiger Woods swings in the air

“Ummm wow, he looks absolutely stunning here. That’s game time speed, baby!!” exclaimed one fan, reflecting on Woods’s easy comfort in hitting the ball down the tech-infused fairway. He was not in visible pain, showcasing that his microdiscectomy this time has helped him, and his rehab is all done nicely. The sheer speed and strength of his swing, however, left viewers breathless. “Swing looks so much more fluid,” said another fan.

Another wrote, “The rhythm and flow of the swing are still great.” And it was evident that the back surgery had improved Woods’ playing. A fan had the same sentiment, writing, “That back surgery looks like it freed him up big-time!”

One fan noted, “He also doesn’t have to walk to each shot.” This is true. In TGL, Woods does not have to walk 18 holes, like he has to in traditional events. There have always been questions about him using golf carts on the course to avoid unnecessary stress on his leg and back but he has always refused. Technology solves that!

As fans continued to praise Woods, it is quite evident that TGL has too found its rhythm to make a place in fans’ hearts. And with Woods and Rory McIlroy at the steering wheel, this new innovative league seems prepared to take the golf world by storm.