After a year’s delay, the much-anticipated TGL (Technology Golf League) officially begins tonight, marking a major milestone in the world of golf. Fronted by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, TGL promises to bring a fresh, high-tech spin to the sport. The first of 15 regular-season matches kicks off tonight, as New York GC faces off against The Bay Golf Club at the state-of-the-art SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Originally slated to launch in January 2024, TGL’s debut was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, including a storm-induced power outage that caused the collapse of the original venue’s roof. The new SoFi Center, a 250,000-square-foot facility located on the campus of Palm Beach State College, offers a more robust structure and improved features.
“I think it was a blessing in disguise,” Woods said at last month’s PNC Championship. “We were rushing to get it ready, and I don’t think we had all the components we have now. We certainly didn’t have the technology we’re able to have now. It worked out for the best.”
One of the most exciting aspects of TGL is the fusion of golf with cutting-edge technology. The league’s 30 original holes, created by top golf course designers Agustín Pizá, Beau Welling, and Nicklaus Design, are set within a 97-yard by 50-yard competition area—roughly the size of a football field—inside the SoFi Center. These holes are designed to mimic a variety of authentic golf landscapes, including links, canyons, coastal settings, deserts, and tropical environments.
For example, there’s the “Pick Yer Plunder”, a par-5 hole set along the edge of Bounty Bay in the Pacific Ocean, and “Hang Low”, a par-4 that brings the challenges of Southern California’s barrancas to life. More unique creations include the par-4 “Flex”, set on an active volcano, and “The Spear”, where players tee off from a floating platform.
TGL’s innovative setup allows players to tee off on real grass tees and take shots of varying distances on a screen 64 feet wide by 53 feet tall, which is 24 times the size of a standard golf simulator. This virtual setup allows golfers to navigate diverse terrain and challenges, with the landing spots of their tee shots determining whether they face fairways, deep rough, or pristine sand bunkers similar to those at Augusta National.
At the heart of the TGL experience is the GreenZone, a 22,475-square-foot short-game area that dynamically transforms between holes. This high-tech zone features a rotating turntable and nearly 600 actuators that adjust the terrain to simulate the undulating topographies of 30 different greens. The rotating green, which changes approach angles, allows players to face a variety of challenging shot types on every hole.
“We toyed around with the idea of using real grass for the green,” McIlroy explained, “but with the rotating green and changing slopes, we were concerned real turf could crack. Artificial grass offers the flexibility to make the course as interesting as possible without the risk of damaging the turf.”
TGL’s inaugural season, running from January 7 to March 4, will see each team compete in five regular-season matches. Each session is divided into two parts: the first nine holes are played in an alternate shot format, while the final six holes feature singles play, where each golfer competes head-to-head.
Each hole is worth one point, and there are no carryovers from previous holes. If the two teams are tied at the end of regulation, a unique overtime format will determine the winner. Much like a penalty shootout in soccer, the overtime features a closest-to-the-pin competition between three players from each team. The team that hits two out of three shots closest to the pin wins the match. This high-stakes format ensures that every shot counts, keeping the drama alive until the very end.
The entire match consists of 15 holes, even if the outcome has been decided earlier. Tiebreakers for the SoFi Cup standings will be based on the total number of holes won during the season, adding an extra layer of competition to the regular-season matches.
With its innovative combination of traditional golf and immersive technology, TGL aims to redefine the golf viewing experience. The focus on fan interaction and fast-paced action, coupled with cutting-edge tech, is set to attract a younger, more tech-savvy audience while still honoring the sport’s rich history.
TGL’s creative use of technology, combined with the star power of Woods, McIlroy, and other top professionals, promises to elevate the sport in exciting new ways. From the immersive virtual courses to the fast-paced, competitive format, the league is poised to become a major player in the world of professional golf.
Tonight’s match marks only the beginning. The TGL is here to stay, and with a year of development and a world-class venue, the future of golf has never looked so exciting.
