The announcement of golf’s most controversial merger worth a whopping $3 billion, has thrown a number of things in doubt. Among them is the PGA Tour’s latest venture debuting next season – the tech-infused TGL series.
Initially called upon to rival the LIV Golf Series, the league is a brainchild of golf icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. However, with no threat for the PGA Tour to deal with, can the condensed format work wonders?
Can TGL rise above expectations?
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The competition is set to make its introduction in the 2024 season, with six teams of three players each facing off in 15 events plus playoffs across the year. It has been backed by TMRW Sports, an organization set up by Woods, McIlroy, and sports executive Mike McCarley.
The league has already made considerable waves in recent months. From seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton to surreal Grammy Award winner Justin Timberlake, a number of celebrities have already invested in the venture.
But the biggest news came about recently when tennis legend Serena Williams, and her young family, comprising of her husband Alexis Ohanian, and daughter Olympia O’Hanlon, alongside sister Venus Williams, decided to purchase the Los Angeles franchise. “Los Angeles is the perfect home for our TGL team. This city embodies the intersection of sports, technology, and entertainment, making it an ideal backdrop for the innovation and excitement we aim to bring to the world of golf and its fans,” entrepreneur Ohanian said in a statement.
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are launching a new indoor golf league — and I think it can be huge.
Here's why:
Overview
TGL is a new golf league started by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley of TMRW Sports.• 6 teams (3 PGA Tour players each)
• 18-hole golf matches… pic.twitter.com/2w7ppiMNxV— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 12, 2023
Will the PGA Tour continue supporting the TGL venture?
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While full-fledged backing has been guaranteed by members of the PGA Tour, the organization has completely aligned itself with the cause. The TGL will be owned by four groups, among which the PGA Tour is a partner and holds up to 18% of the shares.
The tournament is set to be played at an arena at Palm Beach State College, construction of which has already commenced under the watchful eyes of the PGA Tour. The 135,000-square-foot area is envisioned to be a state-of-the-art area, with a capacity to hold 1,500 to 2,000 people.
Furthermore, some of the most talented players on the PGA Tour have agreed to compete in the tournament. From the likes of World No.1 Scottie Scheffler to reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm, ten PGA Tour pros will join Woods and McIlroy in what is set to be golf’s most-glittering event.
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However, the question arises whether TGL can emerge as a fans’ favorite considering its disparity from the traditional format. Once considered a nemesis to the LIV Golf Series, will the technology-based league bear the same weightage as before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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