Tiger Woods Set to Make Long-Awaited TGL Debut
Golf legend Tiger Woods will bring unparalleled star power to TGL, the tech-infused indoor golf league he co-founded, as he makes his debut on Tuesday. The 15-time major champion is expected to boost ratings significantly, with last week’s launch averaging 919,000 viewers—a figure likely to rise as fans tune in to watch Woods in rare competitive action.
Woods Joins Jupiter Links Lineup
Woods will compete for Jupiter Links Golf Club alongside teammates Max Homa and Kevin Kisner. Their match against the Los Angeles Golf Club trio—Justin Rose, Collin Morikawa, and Sahith Theegala—kicks off at 7 p.m. ET (0000 GMT). The format includes nine holes of alternate shot, or triples, followed by head-to-head rounds where each player competes in two full holes over the final six.
Although Woods’ appearances have been limited in recent years due to injuries, TGL’s unique format provides some relief. The two-hour matches take place indoors on a compact playing surface similar to an American football field, using high-tech simulator screens and rotating greens to deliver a fast-paced twist on traditional golf.
A Rare Competitive Appearance
Woods, 49, has not played in a PGA Tour event since the British Open last July, where he missed the cut. He underwent back surgery in September and has been selective about appearances, opting out of his own December tournament and playing only in a father-son scramble event. On Tuesday, Woods will hit the opening shot at The Plank, a challenging 376-yard uphill par-four hole, marking his return to competitive golf in an entirely new setting.
A Vision to Transform Golf
Woods and four-time major champion Rory McIlroy co-founded TGL in collaboration with the PGA Tour, aiming to modernize and attract new fans to the sport. During last week’s broadcast of TGL’s launch, Woods shared his enthusiasm:
“It’s not traditional golf, yes, but it is golf,” he said.
TGL’s Unique Appeal
While purists may balk at the idea of Woods aiming at a five-story-high simulator screen before putting on a rotating green, the format appeals to those eager for innovation and accessibility in golf. The league’s compact design and shorter matches cater to a broader audience, blending technology with the sport’s core principles.
Woods’ debut is set to be one of the season’s most anticipated moments, showcasing the iconic golfer in a new light while driving interest in this groundbreaking league.
