Tomorrow’s Golf League adds innovation to a game based in staid traditions
Join the Club by John Patrick
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The game of golf is not known for being innovative, but a case can be made that the emergence of LIV golf has caused the staid powers behind the modern game to reassess.
Which brings us to TGL, Tomorrow’s Golf League.
TGL is the brainchild of former Golf Channel head Mike McCarley, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. It’s essentially Top Golf for professionals. It’s played indoors, with teams and point systems and prime time television broadcasts. As I write this, the jury is still out on just how this will be embraced. Will the hardcore golf fan tune in? Will the passive golf fan tune in? Will anyone?
In terms of format, there’s an arena, a very big simulator screen, supposedly a crowd, and some of the best players in the game participating – including Tiger Woods. It will be live, players will be mic’d up, and the season will last a couple of months. Will the players win money at this? Believe me, they wouldn’t be doing this if that were not the case. Reports are there is a total purse of $21 million with the winning team splitting $9 million.
I don’t know how this idea will fare, long term. Will I watch? Sure. Will I be excited enough to tune in a couple of times a week? I have no idea – yet. Tiger’s involvement is interesting. Rory’s involvement is necessary. Let’s see if it’s enough.
Like I said, the game of golf is not known for being innovative, but at least with this effort an attempt is being made. The TGL founders should be lauded for at least giving something new a try. There’s a lot of money, energy, and big names behind this, which is encouraging.
Now let’s see if it works.