Amid Wild LIV Golf Ripoff Allegations, How is TGL Countering the Hostile Rumors Surrounding It?

Since the team-play format of TGL came to the fore, there were some hush-hush rumors that Tiger Woods’ dream project might be a LIV Golf rip-off. The fact that there was no official information about the team selection process only added to the speculation. How are players drafted for each team? What’s their worth? Questions were many and came from various corners.

To top that, the influential and controversial American author with multiple scoops on Tiger Woods also opined on the apparent similarity between Greg Norman’s rebel league and TGL. With so many rumors flying around, the onus was on the TGL to quell the rumors. They have taken the job pretty seriously. The organizers took to X (formerly Twitter) to get the facts straight. 

What TGL has to say about the rumors

Recently, TGL revealed on their official X handle that they are bringing a novel idea into their fledgling league. Drawing inspiration from other sports, the tournament, which is set to debut on January 9, 2024, will have a shot clock, timeouts, and referees in the game.

That prompted one user to ask a plethora of questions. All of these were related to the alleged rumors that TGL seeks to counter LIV Golf’s influence… by taking a leaf out of their playbook. One user asked if there was a draft from which the teams picked their players. Because there was no clear mention of the process on their official website.

TGL took the opportunity to clear the air. As per them, the team selection process was done after a long discussion with the management and players. They were careful to arrange the schedule in such a way that it didn’t clash with the PGA Tour’s calendar. Additionally, brainstorming sessions also involved striking a competitive balance and making every team unique.

TGL, the brainchild of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has long been seen as the PGA Tour’s flagbearers’ response to the Saudi-funded league. The team aspect of the game has prompted also many fans to write it off as a LIV Golf ripoff. Alan Shipnuck, too, joined the bandwagon a few days ago.

Read More: Days After Subtly Dragging Tiger Woods Through the Mud, Controversial Author Makes a Startling Turnaround in 9-Word Message

Alan Shipnuck takes a subtle jab at the novel league

Shipnuck’s recent comments about Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and every other major golf star have caused an earthquake in the golf world in the last few months. Dubbed as an authoritative voice on everything LIV Golf and therefore controversial, the authors’ comments about TGL’s team-play format resonated with many.

Recently, the former Sports Illustrated author took to X to comment on the apparent similarity between TGL and LIV Golf. “A team-based breakaway league using an unorthodox format to court new and younger fans? Feel like I’ve heard this before.”  He was not the first to spot this, but his comment definitely brought the issue into the limelight.

Now, TGL has taken it upon themselves to dispel the rumors. Although it did not take LIV Golf’s name directly, the hint was unmissable!

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