The world of professional golf is on the cusp of a revolution, with new formats and innovations emerging left and right. I mean, the changes that took place in the last 5 years have really changed the way people perceive the sport. It’s growing and evolving but more than that people are trying new things and we have to admit that one of the most intriguing developments is the rise of team-based golf. We only got to see team-based games when the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, or Team Cup took place, but now with LIV and TGL, people can enjoy them anytime.

But as exciting as it is, the innovations come with their fair share of criticism and as the dust settles, it’s becoming clear that not all team golf is perceived equally.

Smylie Kaufman’s thoughts on TGL and LIV Golf similarities

Take, for example, the latest iteration of Tiger Woods’s TGL. While some might accuse the league of borrowing ideas from its rival, LIV Golf, the reality is that TGL has carved out its own unique niche. As Smylie Kaufman noted in the latest episode of The Smylie Kaufman Show on YouTube, “There’s just that extra element, especially in the triples format… I came away from tonight almost wishing they could have played triples all night long.” Charlie Hulme, Kaufman’s guest, echoed this sentiment, remarking that TGL’s approach is “Totally different than anything that we’re used to seeing… the players just, and their ability to now be seen more over longer periods of time, it’s this more access like you’re talking about.”

But despite its differences, TGL does owe a debt of gratitude to LIV Golf, which has undoubtedly paved the way for new and innovative approaches to the sport. As Kaufman and Hulme discussed, even TGL’s proponents acknowledge that the league has borrowed some pages from LIV’s playbook. “TGL does music, they’re doing teams like they’re just… they’re copying the same concept,” Kaufman pointed out. “It’s like, sure, they’re definitely borrowing a lot of pages from what LIV has done,” Kaufman said.

Even some golfers from the Saudi-backed league are coming forward with defensive statements suggesting the same.

What does Anthony Kim think of TGL?

Anthony Kim, a 39-year-old golfer who’s been competing for LIV Golf since last year has just shared his two cents on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL and well it was not what anyone was expecting. In a post on X, Kim called out the media for what he sees as biased coverage and suggested that LIV Golf has been unfairly criticized while TGL gets a free pass. “So @livgolf_league isn’t real golf but @TGL is,” he wrote. “Corrupt media gonna talk out of both of their mouths now.” Despite his criticism, Kim did offer some words of encouragement and further said that TGL “Could B gr8 4 the game of golf” and expressed his hope that it succeeds.

Kim’s post sparked a lively discussion in the comments section, with some fans weighing in with their own opinions on TGL and LIV Golf. While some users, like Kim, felt that LIV Golf has been unfairly maligned, others were more enthusiastic about TGL’s innovative approach to the sport. One user even suggested a LIV vs PGA matchup on TGL, which could be an interesting twist. Whatever your take on TGL and LIV Golf, it’s clear that Anthony Kim’s comments have struck a chord with golf fans. But what do you think? Were fans easy on TGL because of the GOAT? Let us know in the comment section below!