TGL

Will It Work?

TGL finally arrived last Tuesday night. Prime time simulator team professional golf played in an arena. The concept provides a new and different form of tournament golf.

The brainchild of Tiger Woods, the league features 6 teams of 4 players. Each match will have 3 players from each team competing in a 15 hole match play match. The first 9 holes are played as “triples” or 3-man alternate shot. The final 6-holes are singles with players from opposing teams going head to head. Each singles match will play 2 of the final six holes. Each hole won is worth 1 point.

One unique scoring feature is “The Hammer.” When The Hammer is thrown, it makes the hole worth 2 points. If it is thrown after the tee shot, the opposing team either accepts or rejects The Hammer. If they reject it, they lose the hole. If it is thrown before the tee shot, it must be accepted.

Players play full shots off real grass or sand into a massive 60 foot screen. The holes are not real golf holes but created holes for this league. They are part Golden Tee and part , “That would be an awesome hole.”

While the giant screen is impressive, the true marvel of TGL is the green.

Players move to the green for shots around the green (50 yds. and in).

The “Green Zone” is a 3800 square foot rotating green complex complete with bunkers. Sitting on a 41-yard wide turntable, the green is rotated to accommodate the hole. Underneath the green are 600 actuators which change the contours of the green from hole to hole. It is truly an amazing piece of tech.

One of the best features of the league is the shot clock. Players have 40 seconds to play their shot once the clock starts. This forces players to play at an acceptable pace.

The big question is will it work?

As a fun prime time golf event, it has potential. The tech is amazing. The players are mic’d up. There is little downtime. Unlike “The Match” and “The Showdown,” golf is essentially nonstop.

Last Tuesday had some issues. The match was a blowout. There was no drama. Like other sports when there is a lopsided victory, it became a bit boring. The players featured in the opening night are not known for their personalities.

While there were some moments of good banter, there needs to be more. Hopefully, this week and next will be more of the good natured smack talking most of us have in our own foursomes on a regular round of golf.

The tech emerged as the star of the opening match. The “Green Zone” is amazing. The giant screen and the crazy hole designs made for some fun.

The players looked engaged. They truly looked like they were having fun.

The shot clock proved they can play faster. I can’t wait to see Cantlay on the shot clock.

For now, the jury is still out as to whether TGL can be successful long term. It has the potential to either be a huge success or a colossal failure. It did draw excellent ratings for the opening night. I hope it succeeds. Golf needs something fun and entertaining outside of YouTube.

As always, be thankful when you play. Be grateful you have the privilege and opportunity to play this amazing game. Now, go golf!