And here we are! The much-anticipated, tech-infused TGL is finally here. This isn’t your typical round of golf—it’s a futuristic experience, blending the traditional game we love with cutting-edge technology. Thanks to the visionaries behind it, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, the inaugural season of the TGL, presented by SoFi, kicks off Tuesday, Jan 7, with an exciting match between the New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club.

Now, if you’re expecting something like the Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup, think again. This is something entirely different. Six teams, four players each, and a format like we’ve never seen before. On match day, three out of four golfers from each team will play. While we’re still waiting to hear who the official captains are, with seasoned pros and big names on these teams, it’s not hard to guess who might naturally step up to lead. Now, as per their official website, let’s meet the teams:

1. Justin Thomas for Atlanta Drive GC:

Justin Thomas is back in the mix, bringing the kind of expertise you’d expect from a 15-time PGA Tour winner. Atlanta Drive GC is packed with talent, featuring Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover, and, of course, JT himself.

While Thomas is still chasing a win to break his nearly two-year drought, his skills on the course are undeniable. Last year, he played in 20 events, made the cut in 16, and delivered six Top-10s and ten Top-25 finishes. Sure, he’s been “almost there” lately, but with a resume like his, it’s easy to see why he’s still a fan favorite. Those 15 PGA Tour wins? They’re still fresh in everyone’s mind.

2. Rory McIlroy for Boston Common Golf:

The World No.3 and one of the masterminds behind TGL, is representing Boston Common Golf. The team features some of golf’s finest—Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott. With a lineup like this, they already look like serious contenders. And if McIlroy steps up as a leader? That could take things to a whole new level.

Being a co-founder of TGL, McIlroy likely has an edge when it comes to understanding the ins and outs of this tech-driven format. Plus, his precision on the course has always left fans in awe. Just last year, he played in 19 events, took home the trophy twice, and held onto his World No. 3 ranking. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the strongest players in the mix.

3. Tiger Woods for Jupiter Links Golf Club:

Tiger Woods. Does the name even need an introduction? The man is practically synonymous with golf. Sure, we didn’t see much of him swinging his clubs last year, but let’s be real—nothing can shake his status as one of the greatest of all time.

With 15 major titles to his name, Woods’s legacy wasn’t built overnight. His expertise, his skills, infact his aura is just enough. So Jupiter Links Golf Club, featuring Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Kevin Kisner, is already lucky to have Woods by their side, and if the Big Cat is their captain, that’s just the icing on the cake.

4. Collin Morikawa for Los Angeles Golf Club:

Collin Morikawa is back in action and ready to pull the crowd for Los Angeles Golf Club, alongside Sahith Theegala, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose. Morikawa’s talent speaks for itself, even though 2024 didn’t quite go as he hoped. In 2024, he played 22 events, made 20 cuts, and finished in the top 25 an impressive 15 times. Among those were eight top-10 finishes, including two runner-up spots. And let’s not forget his T3 finish at the Masters and T4 at the PGA Championship.

Morikawa’s ability to bounce back from challenges makes him an obvious candidate to guide his team. After all, who better to lead than someone who’s experienced both the highs and lows of the game? And honestly, that winless year might just be the fuel he needs to push even harder. If he brings that fire to Los Angeles Golf Club, they’re in for something special.

5. Matt Fitzpatrick for New York Golf Club:

Matt Fitzpatrick is bringing some serious game to New York Golf Club. Remember his incredible win at the 2022 U.S. Open? That made him England’s first major champ since 2016 and put him in the same club as Jack Nicklaus—one of only two players to win both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur at the same venue.

Since turning pro in 2014, Fitzpatrick has picked up two PGA TOUR titles, eight international wins, and represented Europe in three Ryder Cups. Fair to say, that he knows how to thrive under pressure and in team settings.

And let’s not forget, he’s joining a powerhouse squad with World No. 2 Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young.

If you’re looking for a steady hand and someone who knows how to deliver when it matters, Fitzpatrick seems like the obvious choice to guide this stacked team.

6. Ludvig Åberg for The Bay Golf Club:

Åberg is proof that you don’t need years on tour to make history. Turning pro in 2023, the Swedish star has already made waves—runner-up at the 2024 Masters, a winning member of Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup team, and holder of multiple PGA TOUR records, including a jaw-dropping 54-hole score of 186 and a 72-hole total of 253.

With Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, and Shane Lowry on his team, Åberg has the talent and momentum to keep rewriting the record books. Who says rookies can’t lead the way?

With legends, rising stars, and of course, the all-new advanced course, TGL is ready to change the game. So, which team are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments!