Tiger Woods makes TGL debut, hits first tee shot with Jupiter Links GC
Golf legend Tiger Woods and his team Jupiter Links GC competed in their debut match at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
- Changes include a larger and renovated GreenZone, updated virtual holes, and improved sightlines for fans.
TGL, the tech-infused golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, will introduce several enhancements to create more entertainment and drama for fans in Season 2.
The league, held at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, starts Dec. 28.
Based on data, analytics and player feedback from Season 1, enhancements include:
- Renovation of the GreenZone with larger green, different slopes, more hole locations and larger bunkers.
- Updated holes with higher risk-reward challenges.
- Customized hole designs for each of the six TGL teams.
- Improved graphics within virtual holes.
- Larger hitting boxes.
- Relocated ball-tracking camera towers for improved sightlines for fans.
The league, a partnership between TMRW Sports and the PGA Tour, is coming off a successful first season that gained momentum after a few early glitches with several exciting matches down the stretch, including the final won by Atlanta Drive over New York Golf Club.
Television ratings exceeded ESPN’s expectations with an overall average of 500,000 viewers; 650,000 for the 10 prime-time matches on ESPN.
“After a successful inaugural season, we conducted a comprehensive review of data and earnings from all aspects of competition with players, teams and our broadcast partners to elevate the fan experience, enhance gameplay and create even more excitement for Season 2,” said Andrew Macaulay, the Chief Technology Officer of TMRW Sports. “These updates are part of our continued effort to increase drama, intrigue and dynamic moments while further challenging TGL’s teams within SoFi Center’s one-of-a-kind environment.”
The change the fans should notice is the larger putting surface. That has increased by 3,800 to 5,270 square feet (38 percent), closer to the average green size on the PGA Tour, which is 5,701 square feet. The larger putting surface now features 12 hole locations, up from seven.
The knoll at the highest point of the GreenZone is 18 inches lower, allowing for improved viewing for fans and more natural slopes on the upper portion of the putting surface.
The slope of a section of the chipping area has been regraded, allowing for a greater variety of shot-making on approach shots.
The smallest bunker has been removed while the two remaining bunkers are 50 percent larger.
Six holes will have a new look with localized backdrops and terrain and will serve as official Team Holes for all six teams. TGL and Full Swing upgraded the software for a more realistic and immersive virtual golf environments.
The hitting boxes have been enlarged to provide more space and to improve divot management.
What is Tiger Woods’ status for the TGL season?
Woods, the Jupiter Island resident, had disc replacement surgery Oct. 10 after being diagnosed with a collapsed disc in his L4 and L5 lumbar spine, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal.
“I opted to have my disc replaced, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back,” Woods wrote.
Tiger’s team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, playes its first match of the season Jan. 13 against New York. Speculation is Woods will need at least three months of recovery. Although it is unknown when he could play a full match in TGL, Woods likely will return sometime during the season.
Woods also has been recovering from surgery in March to repair a ruptured left Achilles. He underwent a minimally invasive tendon repair procedure March 8 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach.
What does TGL’s Season 2 schedule look like
TGL’s opener for Season 2 is 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, a finals rematch between champion Atlanta and New York. The match is opposite several NFL games and will be televised by ABC.
The schedule includes 15 regular-season matches, followed by the playoffs featuring the top four teams in the SoFi Cup Standings. That will lead to the best-of-three Finals on Monday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 24. Matches will air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and the ESPN App.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
