• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 5, 2025

Woods and McIlroy’s TGL Has Mostly Smooth Launch

TGL, the new indoor league cofounded by the two famous golfers, debuted without any major technology issues on-site or on ESPN’s broadcast.

The inaugural TGL event in Florida
Palm Beach Post

TGL, the new technology-centric, indoor team golf league from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, had a mostly successful launch Tuesday night.

The Bay Golf Club handily beat New York Golf Club 9–2 in front of 1,500 fans at a sold-out SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The Bay clinched the match after 10 holes, but all 15 holes were played, as they will be each week for season-ending tiebreaker purposes. Each hole is worth one point.

Ludvig Aberg was the star of the show for The Bay, which also featured Shane Lowry and Wyndham Clark. Xander Schauffele was the biggest draw for New York, alongside Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick. Celebrities like DJ Khaled and former NBA player Andre Iguodala—an investor in The Bay GC—were on hand.

Tuesday’s launch came after a one-year delay, following SoFi Center’s former air-supported roof collapsing in late 2023. The venue now has a steel-supported roof. 

There were no noticeable issues with the simulator technology used for tee and approach shots, or the real-life “greenzone” that rotated and transformed for chips and putts in between the inaugural match’s 15 holes. 

ESPN’s broadcast of the match, which started just after 9 p.m. ET and concluded at about 11:10, was fast-moving, featuring play-by-play announcer Matt Barrie interacting directly with the mic’d up players, who were on a 40-second shot clock. At one point, Schauffele interacted with someone in the crowd who was suggesting New York use the “hammer,” which can double the point value of any given hole.

Longtime ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt hosted pre- and post-match programming, as well as an intermission, from his studio in Washington, D.C. Aberg joined Van Pelt on SportsCenter following the match. Marty Smith was a roving on-course reporter. 

When players hit shots into the simulator screen that’s 64 feet long and 53 feet wide, ESPN used a mix of capturing their reactions and going fullscreen to the ball’s virtual path, similar to traditional golf coverage.

Woods and McIlroy each joined Barrie in the TV booth during the match, and Woods, 49, offered some insight into TGL’s importance late in his historic playing career. 

“This is showcasing golf, and we want to do that,” he said. “It’s a little bit harder for me to play a full-time schedule, but this is something neat, and we’re able to bring it to all the fans all around the world.”

Woods played the PNC Championship in December with his son, Charlie, but hadn’t played a professional event before that since the Open Championship in July. He had back surgery in September.

The 15-time major champion will make his TGL debut next week when his team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, takes on Los Angeles Golf Club.

On Tuesday night, the atmosphere inside SoFi Center was a stark contrast to most PGA Tour events. Music was playing during shots and there was no restriction on crowd noise. While the players were mic’d up for ESPN’s audience, fans in attendance could not hear what they were saying in real time.

The teams did not have official uniforms, as each golfer was still wearing their normal sponsored clothing. But there was some color coordination: All players wore white shorts, shoes, and hats, but New York had dark-blue shirts, while The Bay had light-green tops. It was easy to tell who was on which team, despite the lack of team logos.

TGL’s six teams will each play five regular-season matches over the next two months, before a postseason in March.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cody Campbell

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.

ESPN’s Ben McDonald Stays on Padres-Cubs Call Despite NHL Flap

ESPN sticks with McDonald after his viral hockey “zero chance” jab.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.
Grand Slam Track
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Investors Keep Grand Slam Track Alive With 8-Figure Lifeline

The league paid athletes half of what they’re owed Friday.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park.
October 3, 2025

NFL Wants to Play on a Record Fifth Continent

Asia is in the league’s sights after a 2026 game in Australia.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
October 2, 2025

FIFA Won’t Move 2026 World Cup Matches Despite Trump Remarks

The organization’s VP pushes back on recent comments from Trump.
Cathy Engelbert
October 1, 2025

WNBA Stars Ripped the Commissioner. Where Does the League Go From Here?

Engelbert is set to address the media at the Finals on Friday.
Aug 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes reacts against the Golden State Valkyries during the first half at College Park Center
September 30, 2025

Wings Fire Coach After One Season, Opening Fifth WNBA Vacancy

Paige Bueckers will be getting a new head coach.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
September 30, 2025

NBA to Sell Franchises in Basketball Africa League

Suns rookie Khaman Maluach played in the BAL before going to Duke.