TGL pushes start date to 2025 due to recent stadium issue
Just 50 days before the first TGL event was scheduled to be played, the new tech-infused golf league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has announced play will be postponed until early 2025.
According to the league, a temporary power system and its backup system caused the SoFi Center dome – the host venue that was still under construction for TGL matches on the campus of Palm Beach State College – to deflate overnight on Tuesday, Nov. 14. While the air-supported dome section of the venue was damaged, there were no injuries and the league reports that most of the technology was not impacted.
A league statement noted the decision was made after the review of short-term solutions, potential construction timelines, player schedules and the primetime sports television calendar. TGL matches were slated to be broadcast by ESPN starting Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, the day after the College Football Playoff National Championship.
“The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement. Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. We are looking forward to the launch of TGL,” McIlroy said. “Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”
“I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world,” Woods added. “Although the events of last week will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.”
Jon Rahm, the first player to join co-founders Woods and McIlroy, backed out of the league in earlier this month by saying, “While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer.”
ESPN released a statement from Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions: "We are partners with TGL and fully support their decision. We have believed in them and their vision from the beginning, and that has not changed. The additional time to plan, test and rehearse will only make it better. We look forward to launching the inaugural season on ESPN."
What is TGL?
The indoor golf league will feature six teams of four PGA Tour players who will take part in 15 regular season matches followed by semifinal and final matches.
The players will compete in an indoor arena featuring a virtual course and a physical putting green. During the game, the players' voices will be amplified through microphones, and they will participate in 3 vs. 3 team match play. All of this will take place in front of a live audience.
ESPN has agreed to be TGL's exclusive broadcast and streaming partner.
Which PGA Tour players have committed to TGL?
Including co-founders Woods and McIlroy, the players who agreed to join TGL have combined for 190 PGA Tour victories and 28 major titles.
They include: Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Adam Scott and Tommy Fleetwood.