By: Joe Koch
January 30, 2025
Photo Credit: CNN
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) launched at the start of 2025, and has seen immediate success. Founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, it was created as an alternative to traditional golf. The TGL encompasses modern-day technology, with a 64 x 53 ft screen that players play from as well as an adjustable green for any possible scenario. The simulator experience is often played from an artificial surface in individual bays without an audience. TGL stood above the competition when mimicking natural conditions and challenges. TGI incorporates real grass and rough conditions to emulate a traditional course, as well as the same sand used at Augusta National Golf Course, where the Masters is played, for that “real” feel, as well as a 1,500 seat arena for spectators.
Golf historically has been a hard sport for fans to engage with, and the TGL challenged that idea. One major change was the format. 15 holes, match play style, with six teams facing off head-to-head competing in a season to determine a champion. Teams are organized with four players, of which three will participate in their team’s match.
The TGL wanted to go further than that, changing how traditional golf was played, introducing the shot clock and “The Hammer.” Before each stroke, the player will have 40 seconds to hit the ball. New York Golf Club was asked in a post-game interview after the initial match if there was anything they experienced that they wanted translated into the PGA Tour Season, which simultaneously both Matt Fitzpatrick and Rickie Fowler both stated “the shot clock,” cracking a laugh after. “The Hammer” brought a new idea to challenge a hole - making it worth double or even triple the points - reinventing the strategy behind one of the most “traditional” games.
Despite a few lopsided results, TGL viewership has reached high numbers while broadcasted on ESPN, averaging roughly 1 million viewers the first two matches while seeing 9% increase in viewership for the second week (ESPN Press Room). Compared to the numbers of the PGA Tour, we see similar numbers for weekday events with the PGA Tour averaging 2 million viewers for a non-major championship weekend.
Simulator golf was once believed to be the future, and now we are seeing the first of that today. There is still room for improvement for the TGL, which hopes to learn each week on how to continuously improve their product. As we see the future of golf transforming, golf fans should be excited for what’s to come with a new, innovative way to watch the best play their beloved sport.
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