TGL has two things going for it. One is the technology-based simulated golf setup that is very easy for viewers to get attracted to. The second is the allure of the big names surrounding the project. Chief among them are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. While Day 1 saw neither of them teeing off, Day 2 featured Tiger Woods suiting up for his team, Jupiter Links Golf Club. However, contrary to expectations set at debut, the event was not the most-watched sport for the day, despite featuring the 15-time major winner.

Match 2 of TGL drew in 4M unique users, and average of 1.0005 million viewers on ESPN, and was second in the list of sports viewership for the day. TGL’s debut saw an average of 919,000 viewers for the two-hour telecast, peaking at 1.1 million between 9:15 and 9:30.  It became the most-viewed event on January 7, surpassing college basketball and NBA.

On January 14th, an NBA game featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers saw a total of 1.033 million viewers across TNT and truTV and was the most viewed sport for the day. January 14th saw another one-sided victory take place as Woods’s team lost to the Los Angeles GC by 12-1.

The numbers for TGL are impressive for now, but it’s the continued viewership that is a subject of worry. The lack of competitiveness could prove to be a huge factor in leading to a reduction in viewership and as one fan pointed out only a consistent result will stand the test of time. “Let’s see what week 6 brings. Nobody is watching sim golf the 5th, 6th, 7th time.”

Woods was far from his best during his first appearance at TGL, having made many errors, including finding a simulated water hazard on the second hole, which even his son found amusing. While he did set up the lone point on hole No. 6, it was too late as LAGC had all the momentum. Now, the only remaining saving grace is the undaunted Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy.

The showdown between the superstars Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods

The onus is now on 4-time major winner Rory McIlroy to ensure that TGL again becomes the most-watched sporting league in the coming weeks. The second biggest name associated with TGL is yet to feature in any of the games. Fans are hoping that Rory McIlroy and his team can bring the competitive edge the league desperately needs when he makes his debut on January 27.

Jan 21 will see New York Golf Club aiming to recover from their horrendous loss in the first game. They will be facing Atalanta Drive, who are making their first appearance in the league. But golf fans are even more excited for the thrilling matchup between two founders. This heavily anticipated faceoff between Woods’s and McIlroy’s teams will be a clear marker for the excitement TGL can produce for golf fans.