Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new golf league has experienced a seemingly stratospheric rise in publicity and investment since being announced last year. Now, it’s come crashing down to earth — literally.
A power failure at the nearly 250,000-square-foot South Florida venue set to host TGL matches beginning in January caused its air-supported dome to collapse this week, the league said. No injuries were sustained by workers or employees, and all the technology — including a simulator measuring 64 feet high — that will power the virtual portions of the competition remains in place, according to TGL.
Damage is still being assessed, with no update on whether it will delay TGL’s Jan. 9 start date. TGL told Front Office Sports that weather played no factor in the issue — indicating that, once repaired, the venue dubbed the SoFi Center would not be at risk for a similar problem dealing with the thunderstorm-laden South Florida climate.
Penalty Stroke
This marks a second recent stumble for TGL, following the decision by Jon Rahm, the No. 3-ranked golfer in the world, to withdraw from competing in the league’s first season.
Otherwise, TGL has enjoyed nearly uninterrupted momentum — recently completing a star-studded list of team owners that includes influential figures from across major pro sports leagues.
There is a media rights deal in place with ESPN, as well as pacts with mainstream partners like Fanatics.
