The Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-led TGL has been a refreshing breath of fresh air in the golfing world. A new concept of golf driven by technology piloting a format that is new and exciting. Six teams took the field at the beginning and now in the playoffs, four teams were left.

In the first playoffs, New York Golf Club, the 4 seed took on Los Angeles Golf Club, the first seed, it turned out to be a thrilling contest, with New York Golf Club holding a slender but surprising 3-2 lead at the end of the triples. Despite Sahith Theegala’s roaring contribution in the singles, the fourth seed emerged triumphant, booking a spot in the three-match finals taking place on March 24 and 25.

Post the disappointing exit, the three players who featured for LAGC, Theegala, Fleetwood, and Morikawa answered questions from the press, albeit in a somber mood. At one point, Fleetwood was asked about rule changes he would like to see implemented in the league last season and he was pretty candid with his thoughts.

Tommy Fleetwood feels changes are due for Tiger Woods’s TGL

“I mean, we’ll see, won’t we. I think everybody has enjoyed the format very much, and I think we’ve loved that. I would love it if the playoffs was the best of three or the first seed gets a bye. That would have been great,” Fleetwood stated. What the English golfer said might sound like sour grapes, but it comes with a certain sensibility. You work really well during the regular season and finish first. It comes with no added advantage or perks. Another team, like the New York Golf Club, in this case, could struggle and reach the playoffs and in one instance, the fortunes get reversed.

Despite no new rules, there was a significant rule change midway through the tournament. The change involved the hammer. Initially, the hammer was a single entity that passed around when a team used it. This led to hoarding the hammer as it had the ability to convert a hole’s output from one point to two. So teams who took the lead, used it sporadically.

TGL saw the discrepancy and decided to give three hammers each to both teams for use whenever necessary. A clear sign that they are looking toward improvement in the format at all times. And Fleetwood sees this, stating, “Look, I think the guys have been good with the changes when necessary, and I’m sure it will continue to evolve. I’m sure there’s different things that they can do with the conditions. I’m sure there will be new holes next time probably.”

The league in itself has brought a new perspective to golf. Although the TGL had its challenges, it is still a very fast-improving league, trying to apply positive feedback wherever possible.“But overall I think everybody has really enjoyed the format. It’s just been so different for us and so new, but everybody has got really behind it. We’ve had a great group of guys and a great team, not just us but everybody around LA Golf, and we’ve enjoyed it so much.”

The inclusion of LPGA Players in the teams has been long discussed by the media as well as several stakeholders in TGL. Rose Zhang had made headlines by becoming a minority owner of the Bay Golf Club, a significant milestone in opening the TGL doors to LPGA pros. Arthur Blank, the owner of Atlanta Drive GC also dropped a hint saying, “Potentially there will be gals involved, which would be great for the game.”

Fleetwood remained optimistic and felt that whatever changes that happen will be for the better. But he also advertised patience in seeing those changes come to light. “I guess we have to wait now until we get our chance again and we’ll see what changes there are in the future, but this one has been great,” Fleetwood added.

While rule changes will be discussed plenty during the off-season, there was one rule that stood out during the first playoff – the Hammer.

Hammers all over during the first TGL Playoff

Remember the Oprah Winfrey meme? “You get a car, you get a car, Everybody gets a car.” The hammer was used a lot like that during the first playoff. Five of the last seven holes featured hammers, with the challenge being declined three times. This led to three points by concession from which New York Golf Club benefitted, especially in extending their lead.

Sahith Theegala played the lone ranger winning both his individual bouts against Cameron Young. But Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood struggled. “I didn’t play great. I take responsibility on that. You have to make putts in this format, and in these matches you have to make putts.” Morikawa added after the disappointing encounter.

New York Golf Club, which featured Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Young, will be lying in wait for the winner of Bay Golf Club and Atlanta Drive Golf Club in the finals. Who do you have winning the first edition of TGL?