What happens when modern technology and golf’s classic fairways combine? Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s concept, TGL, seeks to transform the golf game while promising an exciting fusion of online and live golf when it officially launches on January 7, 2025, at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The regular season consists of 15 games, with the New York Golf Club playing The Bay Golf Club in the opening match. This league hopes to enthrall both seasoned fans and a new generation of supporters with games slated for Monday and Tuesday evening prime time.

As the regular season rolls, fans are eager to know about each step from the first games to the first TGL champion’s victory. To keep spectators on the edge of their seats, let’s find out how the creative playoff system is organized.

What comes after the regular season of TGL?

Six teams of four PGA Tour players compete in 15-hole matches during TGL’s regular season. There are nine “Triple” holes (3 vs. 3 alternate shots) and six “Singles” holes (head-to-head). Points are given according to the results of the match: 2 points for a regulation or overtime victory, which honors strength and tenacity under duress. Consolation points for teams losing in overtime are 1 point, but regulation defeats result in 0 points, highlighting the significance of consistent performance. With this structure, every game, shot, and hole counts toward securing a solid ranking.

Following the regular season, the top four clubs move on to the postseason. The semifinals, which pit the top four teams against the second and third-ranked teams, mark the start of the playoff stage. After winning these semifinals, the winners advance to the championship round. The championship is a best-of-three series, as opposed to the single-match semifinals, which adds another level of planning and suspense as teams compete for the prized SoFi Cup. The overall number of holes gained during the season serves as the tiebreaker if the regular-season rankings are tied. Every hole in every match is given a lot of weight according to this rule, which motivates teams to play hard right up until the last putt. Thus, even if the final result is determined early, every match is played over all 15 holes.

This playoff structure is carefully planned to keep the stakes high and the audience interested throughout the entire season, leading up to the thrilling conclusion that determines the first TGL champions. Now that the framework has been covered, let’s talk about the TGL’s scheduled launch and its significance.

TGL’s launch and its impact on the golfing landscape

The launch of TGL marks a turning point in the golf industry. The league provides an energetic, two-hour match format that is intended to appeal to contemporary viewers by fusing the latest innovations with classic gameplay. To offer a complete experience for both viewers on TV and in-person fans, features including a five-story simulated screen, an adjustable putting surface, and live streams with mic’d-up golfers and exciting shows are included. The first match pits Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry, and Wyndham Clark of The Bay Golf Club against Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Xander Schauffele of New York Golf Club. This encounter paves the way for a season full of outstanding players and creative rivalry.

Beyond just being entertaining, TGL is brining something new to the table as it is a calculated attempt to update golf and make it more approachable and interesting in a time when sports consumption is changing quickly. The golf community will be closely watching how TGL affects the future direction of the sport as the season progresses. Are you excited about the TGL commencing in a few hours? Drop your thoughts in the comment box below!