When the TGL first took its course in the golf world, one question was on everyone’s mind: would LIV golfers be allowed to participate? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no, thanks to the TGL’s partnership with the PGA Tour. This also means that big names like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who were initially set to play in the TGL, were removed from the roster after making the switch to LIV Golf.

Despite this, there’s been a recent framework agreement announced between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which could potentially pave the way for LIV players to compete in PGA Tour events in the future. However, this denial from the tour’s end seems not to stop LIV Golfers from expressing their desire to participate in Tiger Woods’s league.

In a presser at the International Series in India, LIV superstar Bryson DeChambeau revealed to Essentially Sports’s Abantika Ghosh his thoughts on the TGL. And, well, it is not what anyone was expecting. When asked if he’d be interested in joining the TGL as it is all the rage these days, DeChambeau said, “Well, if I was allowed… I think it would be interesting. I think TGL has an interesting opportunity, I’m all about anything to grow the game, so if it’s helping grow the game, then fantastic.”

DeChambeau’s enthusiasm for the TGL is evident, but he’s also aware that his involvement might not be welcomed. He added with a laugh, “I don’t know if they’d take me though, I’ve no idea. I got a whole team over here at Crushers, come on. Crushers can be part of that.” DeChambeau’s comments suggest that he’s open to exploring new opportunities in golf, but he’s also mindful of the current shaky relationships between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. And rightly so, because despite talks of a merger, the Tour’s stance towards the defectors hasn’t softened much, even though players like Rory too have been more accepting.

That’s an entirely new debate, of course. And in golf, we have quite a few of those going around. One of the biggest is also fans comparing LIV Golf to TGL. And while many believe TGL has more similarities with the Saudi-backed league than differences, one of the co-founders begs to differ.

Why does Rory McIlroy think TGL comes out on top?

Rory McIlroy, co-founder of the TGL, believes that his simulator league has one key advantage over LIV Golf. While both leagues have a team aspect, McIlroy thinks that TGL’s geographical focus on franchises competing in the simulator league sets it apart. “I think that’s what TGL has done maybe a little bit better to connect with certain fan bases than, say, LIV, for example,” McIlroy said in December.

Rors believes that by locating teams in specific cities or geographies, TGL can tap into the wider sports fan base of that area. This approach allows TGL to build a stronger connection with local fans, creating a more engaging and immersive experience. As McIlroy prepares to compete in the TGL, he’s excited to see how this unique approach will play out.

For McIlroy, this is particularly exciting as he prepares to compete for the Boston Common team in the TGL. He’s looking forward to plugging into the Boston community, known for its intense sports fandom. “Everyone knowing the intensity in which Boston fans support their teams, trying to plug into that,” McIlroy said. With TGL’s innovative approach, McIlroy is hoping to bring a new level of excitement to the world of golf. But will he be able to? Only time will tell.