Recently, TGL, presented by SoFi, revealed several upgrades ahead of its second season, set to kickoff on December 28 on ABC.
Based on insights derived from data, analytics, and player input from the inaugural season, TGL has revamped its GreenZone, redesigned holes, enlarged hitting areas, and implemented various enhancements.
To gain more insight into these updates and the current status of this Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-backed initiative after its first year, I had a conversation with Andrew Macaulay, who serves as the Chief Technology Officer at TMRW Sports, the parent organization of TGL.
Below is our engaging dialogue.
BA: Reflecting on the first year and even before that, walk me through the journey from the initial concept to the build-out we witnessed last year. The challenge of integrating a sport traditionally played outdoors into a stadium environment must have been significant. How did you approach that?
AM: Our journey began in 2022 when we started brainstorming and testing ways to bring golf indoors in a way never done before. Initially, we utilized Full Swing Simulators in California, followed by introducing Toptracer technology in Sweden. Over the next two years, we conducted thorough testing and development of TGL’s unique technology blend in various facilities, culminating in the complete installation at SoFi Center in Fall 2024.
During this period, we honed our ball-tracking technology, created innovative virtual hole layouts, implemented the Skymark system to transition play from virtual to real environments, and created a range of adaptable putting surfaces, among other technological advancements. Our goal was to deliver an authentic playing experience that meets the high standards of elite golfers, ensuring reliability during matches that depend on our technology.
BA: On the technology side, can you simplify how the tracking of shots works for someone who may not be well-versed in this area?
AM: There are three main technologies that collaborate to track a golf ball hit 35 yards into a projection screen, providing results that mimic what would happen if the screen weren’t there. Toptracer’s optical sensors track the ball’s trajectory and project its continued path as if it were traveling in the real world. Full Swing KIT radars transmit precise club and ball metrics, while Full Swing Simulator software creates a realistic virtual environment. This technology also considers the specific performance attributes of the ball used, ensuring accurate representations of shots.
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