The decision to blend technology with tradition was certainly a bold move. TGL’s whole “let’s put golf indoors with simulators” idea does sound cool initially, but did this tech-savvy approach work for the golfers themselves? If you ask Tom Kim, the answer might not be as favorable. 

Sure, Kim was on fire in today’s match against Rory McIlroy and the Boston Common Golf team. In fact, Jupiter Links’s big win can largely be credited to him. Throughout the competition, he delivered some unforgettable shots. On hole 12, he came this close to a hole-in-one with a phenomenal tee shot, leading to a conceded putt and a win for his team on that hole. And on hole 7 Kim sank a clutch birdie putt to keep the match tied.

While his performance was indeed on the spot, he wasn’t exactly thrilled with everything going on around him. Kim was definitely not very content with the way the simulator handled his putter reads. Let’s just say it wasn’t quite the same as playing on real greens.

Golf journalist Christopher Powers caught one of these moments and shared it on X, tweeting this:

And, of course, Kim said this right in front of Tiger Woods, the leader of the team Jupiter Links GC. Ouch!

Talk about a moment that could’ve been avoided. As you’d expect, it didn’t take long for the flood of comments to come pouring in. One user wrote, “Tom Kim you can’t say that the simulator isn’t reading the club face dude. You have got to save those comments until you are not on a mic.”

Another X handle, PGA/LIV Hot Takes, shared their take, writing: “Tom Kim “I don’t think the screens right”

Kisner “yeah I have to aim way right for a draw”

Gotta get some better Tech.”

So, what’s going on here? Well, it turns out that this tech-heavy TGL setup is just as new to the players as it is to the viewers. As you’d expect, adjusting to the simulator’s intricacies is a learning curve, and it’s clear that players like Kim are still figuring it out. But the internet has a few thoughts on this.

Fans aren’t holding back. One user summed it up saying “By far the best part of TGL is watching the players choose to bite their tongue when the trash simulator technology screws it up.” Fans are clearly not feeling the tech yet, and it’s leading to some harsh criticisms. A user even pointed out, “So far, TGL has 1. a problem with the simulator algorithm and technology. It’s not accurate. Tiger doesn’t hit wedges 20 yards long! 2. They need to replace the green because tour players don’t run a 20′ putt 8 ‘ past the hole or miss 5 footers by a whole cup.”

Considering the hefty $50 million invested in the SoFi Center and its high-tech setup, it’s tough to ignore the fact that fans and players alike are pointing out flaws. The SoFi Center is a 250,000-square-foot, tech-infused arena designed to provide an intimate “greenside” fan experience. With 1,500 seats surrounding the field of play, and a 3,000-square-foot screen for virtual holes, it’s all meant to enhance the simulator experience. Yet, it seems like fans aren’t seeing the worth of all that investment—at least not yet.

And the challenges aren’t limited to just the tech. Fans also seem a bit cold toward the players themselves. Take Kim’s recent hot mic blunder, for instance. Billy Horschel’s “Dirty Bird” dance entry received its fair share of criticism, and Patrick Cantlay was booed for being “boring.” But here’s the most interesting one—during the second match, fans were calling for Kevin Kisner to be replaced by none other than Charlie Woods after his less-than-stellar performance.

Fans think it’s time for Charlie Woods to step in for Kevin Kisner

If you’re following TGL, one thing’s become crystal clear: fans are starting to think Kevin Kisner’s time in the spotlight might be up—at least for now. The second match of Jupiter Links GC, and things aren’t exactly going Kisner’s way. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where fans are jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly) calling for Charlie Woods to step in and take over.

Kisner’s debut at the TGL wasn’t already great (yet entertaining). He made a shot that landed straight in the water with a wedge shot so wild, he ended up making up the event a comedy show. Something that fans certainly weren’t expecting from a veteran pro.

Then came the second round, and well, things didn’t really improve. Kisner was up against Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott’s Boston Common Golf team. Jupiter Links hit hard on the second hole, scoring two points, but Kisner’s turn came when it was time to sink the putt, and he missed. Enter Tom Kim, the man of the hour, saving the day—though, unfortunately, the hole was tied, and the hammer slipped away.

By the end of the round, fans had pretty much had enough of the mishaps. While Tiger Woods stuck by Kisner, subbing him in for Max Homa, the crowd had a different idea. They started calling for Charlie Woods to step in. It seems the fans believe the kid has the right energy and skill to fit into the team better than Kisner right now.