Golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy couldn't hide their enthusiasm at the launch of the much-awaited Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL). The tech-driven indoor league, co-founded by the duo, made its debut on Tuesday at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens.
In a thrilling opening match, the New York Golf Club, featuring Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick, was defeated 9-2 by the Bay Golf Club, which boasted talents like Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, and Shane Lowry, in the state-of-the-art 250,000-square foot arena that accommodates around 1,500 fans.
TGL, a brainchild years in the making, was first introduced to Woods and McIlroy by Mike McCarley back in December 2020.
The trio went on to establish TMRW Sports two years later, with the league finally materialising this month after a year's postponement.
"Considering this was just a dream conjured up - Rory and I were talking about it - it's hard to believe that that dream came into reality and we're able to take golf into another stratosphere really," Woods said, joining as a guest commentator during Tuesday's event.
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Woods was quick to highlight the stark differences between TGL and the PGA Tour. The SoFi Center boasts a 64 x 53-foot screen, a rotating green, and a large number of patrons who made their presence known immediately.
"Just to have the ability to showcase our sport - and it's not traditional golf, yes - but it is golf," Woods added. "And that's the main thing provided a different type of atmosphere. Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news.
"I hear a couple people rooting against Wyndham on that putt back there. You don't normally hear that at events. There are certain events you do hear that all the time, but most events you don't hear that. You're gonna hear that here, which is great."
Besides being one of the league's founders, Woods is set to compete in TGL as a member of the Jupiter Links Golf Club.
After only managing to make 13 combined starts on the PGA Tour over the last four seasons, the 49-year-old now relishes the opportunity to play a less physically taxing style of golf.
"I'm excited to do this. This has been a dream come true to build something like this and to have it come to reality and have this much excitement, and have these guys play like this," Woods said.
"I haven't been a part of the playing process in a while. This is showcasing golf, you know, what we want to do. It's a little 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."
Rory McIlroy waxed lyrical about the early reactions to the TGL, stating that competitors have found it nothing short of sensational.
"The guys came and played a practice match last night, and I saw Shane earlier today, and he said it was the most fun that he's had playing golf for two hours that he can remember," divulged the Northern Irish star.
"So, you know, when the players really get into it, you know, hopefully the audience at home can see that as well."
