What is TGL Golf
I will spare you too much information as everything has already been written about the rules, the why, and the who. I will summarize below who invented it and go straight into what did I think of TGL Golf:
TGL Golf stands for "Tomorrow's Golf League" (TMRW), not "Tiger Golf League", or "Tech Golf League". Supposedly, the idea started with Mike McCarley (a businessman who's worked in the Sports industry for the past 25+ years, according to his LinkedIn), who wanted to create a golf league in the likes of the Ryder Cup, but on simulators.
It makes sense when you think that the Ryder Cup is the most-watched golf event after the 4 majors, and that less and less people are willing to watch 5 hours of golf on television.
Mike devised that idea and spoke about it to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. And BOUM, the TGL was born: indoor golf, teams, stadium vibes, banter, and a shorter form of content.
Here is an inside look of a TGL Golf stadieum through the lenses of the Good Good YouTube channel:
What I liked about TGL Golf?
TEAM COMPETITION, TEAM COMPETITION, and TEAM COMPETITION!! People love this the most, and golf only offers a few of those moments. These days, with the PGA, LPGA, LIV, and DP World Tour, we have more than enough classic golf to watch. Even though LIV Golf has teams, IMHO they are not very relatable compared to geographical-based teams like in the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, or in the TGL golf league.
Mic'd up players
YES, finally, you understand that we (the customers, the ones who are watching and making those guys make so much money), WE WANT TO HEAR what they are talking about when playing. We want to feel part of it, be part of the show, hear the banter, feel the intensity, watch live part the strategizing, and the decision-making.
Team event
It's good to see guys who usually compete against each other getting together under one banner, and have fun. Of course you can support your favorite golfer in an individual competition, but teams federate more people who share something in common.
Shot Clock
As much as I love spending a Sunday afternoon watching four hours of golf on the TV, let's be honest. My wife isn't on the same page here. And realistically speaking, nobody has that time. The 40-second shot clock is a brilliant idea, as is the compact format. It has even inspired the PGa Tour to take action against slow play.
The arena
The screen is absolutely gigantic. I live in South Korea, the Kingdom of Screen golf, and let me tell you, this is an impressive screen. I understand it might take time for people to get used to it, but they will love it once they do!
The moving green is on another level! I love seeing them struggling with their approach and putting. The fact that this green keeps on changing is genuinely remarkable. It is refreshing to witness tradition and innovation blended into a new way of playing golf: stadium golf.
What could be improved about TGL Golf?
I have watched countless videos, listened to many golf podcasts, and read multiple articles. Here are a few things that stand out to me:
Players with more charisma
They are athletes, not entertainers. They are used to being in their own bubbles, and even though they are mic'd up, it's not entertaining to listen to them at the minute.
We NEED more charismatic golfers like Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Joel Dahmen, Harry Higgs, Phil Mickelson, Wesley Bryan, etc., to make it more fun. It's like the TGL Golf players were selected by the PGA Tour, and not the people. Give the people their favorite players (make them participate, and vote?), and they will watch, just like on YouTube.
Some of those guys right now are a little boring… They might need to adapt a little as well. Maybe they also want to make sure not to be canceled by their sponsors… Regardless of what it is, guys, if you read my words, BE ENTERTAINING. This is what you're being paid for. To make us have a good time. This is less serious than outdoor golf, so loosen up a little!
Thankfully, this first edition features Shane Lowry and Max Homa, who are among the funniest Golfers in the world.
Authenticity
Many voices have been raised saying this event is just a way to make top players get a lot of money (like Rory's previous agent - but how seriously can we take this comment?). This could be a way to make up for the money they refused from the LIV…
I'm not sure what to think about this. Golf, for a long time, has been a game of money. Watched and played by people who have money. It is undoubtedly changing (especially with the rise of screen golf), but I will never blame Golfers for going where the money is. This is no charity event, for sure. As long as the product is good for the viewers, I have no issue with that.
More suspense, more competition
It's been lacking so far. We need more games where they battle head-to-head. But the reality of indoor golf is that it takes time to adapt, especially on the shorter approach shots (struggling with distance control). It seems like those guys are still not fully getting it. I trust that they'll get there as well.
More options to watch the broadcast
I know some local channels have the rights (and I'm speaking for those outside of the US like me, OR those who do not subscribe to TV channels anymore because it's 2025…). Could you PLEASE let us watch on pay-per-view or somewhere where we could simply purchase online? This might be a personal request, but I would love to be able to watch more golf live without having to buy 24 different golf channels, or get denied because I don't have a US debit card.
For now, TGL Golf is mainly targeting a US audience, so in Europe and Asia we kinda feel ignored for now.
My final thoughts on TGL Golf
TGL is a GREAT product—very different from what's already available—and it has tremendous potential. That being said, we need more atmosphere, more jokes, more trash talk, and more entertainment!!
Even though I understand those of you who are saying that this is one more product for Golfers to make money or that this is killing the true essence of the game, to me, it's just more fun golf to watch. And that's all that matters, or that should matter. If you like it, watch it; if you don't, well…
Don't watch it ;)