“TGL is not real golf” was the general opinion of the golf community not that long ago. Many believed that the sport couldn’t be contained within an arena and still excite the fans as much as on-course golf does. And yet, it has achieved a lot more in the mere weeks it has been active. Now, the opinion is, “TGL is everything LIV wanted to be,” as posted on the r/golf subreddit. How things have changed in the short time TGL has existed.

It’s not only LIV Golf that has taken the beating due to TGL’s popularity. The PGA Tour has also suffered from it with comparisons of pace of play being made regularly. We all know that the PGA Tour has been cursed with exhaustingly slow players throughout 2024. On the other side of the spectrum, TGL has a ‘Shot Clock’. A simple, yet effective rule that was not overlooked by even the GOAT and the co-owner, Tiger Woods. And that is what has made TGL one of a kind.

Speaking about all that is unique about TGL, the crew of Fore Play Podcast Plus discussed the last battle between Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy in the arena. It was the most anticipated round of the TGL season, Jupiter Links GC vs. Boston Common Golf. Rory McIlroy and his team were making their debut in the league. Tiger Woods & co. came off a disastrous 1st match, which included Kevin Kisner’s life-threatening strokes. But the man who “almost killed somebody” recovered from his mishaps and showed why he was not benched.

One of the hosts of the podcast on YouTube, Riggs commended Kisner on his excellent performance throughout the game. Talking about how close the match was, he said “There was a huge putt that Tiger had. I think it was on the 9th hole of the alternate shots (Triples round), where Tiger had a putt for two points,” as he set the stage for the situation. Riggs added, “It was the biggest putt you can have in that environment. It went full 360, lipped in and it was a huge putt,” while stating that the situation kept him on the edge of his seat.

“If he misses this, they lose the match. Instead, he makes the putt,” describing the roller-coaster ride he went through during the moment. Riggs clarified that it was not a Ryder Cup or any major event before confessing, “I found that infinitely more entertaining on Monday night than the American Express final round”. Riggs was clearly more drawn in during one of the holes of a TGL match than the conclusive day of a PGA Tour event.

The level of entertainment TGL provides is unquestionable. But can it really be compared to the PGA Tour or LIV Golf? Let’s see what other professionals think about that.

Can TGL consistently draw a bigger crowd than the PGA Tour?

If the numbers tell us anything, it’s that TGL has been hugely successful among the masses. From Kisner’s bizarre stroke to Xander Schauffele‘s misuse of the hammer, and everything in between has given magic numbers. But weren’t entertainment, excitement, and better golf the promises of another league? Yes, ex-commissioner Greg Norman & LIV Golf did pledge they would engage the crowd more. Yet fans are left divided, choosing between loyalty and progress.

The same is the case for the PGA Tour. Their tedious regulations have made it difficult for the fans to commit to it. The community has always been critical of the many issues presented by the PGA Tour. Apart from slow play, the lack of star power and controversial decisions have made it difficult for everyone to follow it. The biggest example of their losing appeal is Rory McIlroy’s recent decision. Having one of their most popular and loyal golfers say that he might not make as many PGA Tour appearances in 2025 has damaged the reputation of the Tour. Their disregard for LIV Golf on the public front while a complete state of panic behind closed doors is no secret in the community. When will Jay Monahan & co. understand that their gimmick is not working at all?

Now, no one is claiming whether TGL is or isn’t real golf. But the question is, if the state of real golf is so bad, then why wouldn’t fans find indoor simulation golf more appealing? Wouldn’t you agree? Share your opinions in the comment section.