The second season of TGL kicks off this Sunday, featuring a repeat of last year’s SoFi Cup finals, where Atlanta Drive GC triumphed over New York Golf Club with thrilling last-hole wins in both matches to secure the inaugural championship in this innovative indoor golf league.
The team lineups are the same as in the previous season, but notable players like 15-time major champion Tiger Woods and two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas are sidelined due to ongoing recovery from back surgeries. Woods, celebrating his 50th birthday on December 30, is expected to attend and interact with players while sporting a microphone during matches broadcasted on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+.
Last season, neither Jupiter Links GC nor Rory McIlroy‘s Boston Common Golf team made it to the playoffs, combining for only a single victory out of ten matches. “We’re all eager to improve,” stated Tom Kim of Jupiter Links GC. “We’re determined to win for our team, especially for someone who’s not accustomed to losing.”
Enhancements in the League
This season introduces several enhancements, including a significantly larger GreenZone putting area that’s 38% bigger than last year’s. It has been expanded from 3,800 to 5,270 square feet and now includes 12 hole locations, up from seven. TGL will incorporate 608 actuators to change the putting surface, with new full swing virtual greens expanded to 1,250 square feet.
New Signature Holes
Among the newly designed holes, original designs for each team were created by various architects, featuring signature holes that will be an advantage during contests. For example, The Bay Golf Club’s “Bay Breaker” boasts magnificent redwoods and views of Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline, taking inspiration from iconic Bay Area courses.
Advanced Graphics and Technology
Innovative shot comparison graphics are being promoted, utilizing Virtual Eye technology to monitor shots on course. TGL claims these data-rich graphics will enhance viewer experience by illustrating shot quality at key moments against team averages. The SoFi Center will now use 79 cameras to capture multiple perspectives, including a 360-degree view from the flag pin.
Team Composition
Team rosters for this season include:
- Atlanta Drive GC: Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover
- Boston Common Golf: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama
- Jupiter Links GC: Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner
- Los Angeles Golf Club: Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala
- New York Golf Club: Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young
- The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry
Upcoming Schedule
The season fixtures include:
- Dec. 28: New York Golf Club vs. Atlanta Drive GC, 3 p.m. ET
- Jan. 2: Boston Common Golf vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 7 p.m. ET
- Mar. 17: Semifinals match, 6:30 p.m. ET
- Mar. 23: Finals Match 1, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
