Tiger Woods' indoor golf venture delayed by a year due to inflatable dome collapse
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's cutting-edge indoor golf venture, The TGL, faces a one-year setback due to a deflated inflatable dome at its custom-built Florida venue
The TGL, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroys' high-tech indoor golf venture, has faced a one-year setback as its custom-built Florida venue suffered a deflation in its inflatable dome, organizers revealed on Monday. Originally scheduled to launch on January 9, the televised league showcasing some of the PGA Tours' finest players will now be rescheduled for early 2025 due to damages at the SoFi Center, a 250,000 square foot arena located at Palm Beach State College.
The deflation of the air-supported dome section of the 1,600-capacity venue on November 14 was attributed to a "failure of the temporary power system and backup systems used during construction," according to a statement by the TGL. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the majority of the technology remained unaffected. Prior to the postponement, organizers sought input from the league's 24 players, six team ownership groups, and important partners such as the PGA Tour.
The statement mentioned that this decision was made after evaluating temporary solutions, possible construction schedules, player availability, and the sports television schedule during prime time.
Currently, we have commenced the process of revising plans and schedules and are certain that this extension will enhance our overall performance and execution.
Rendering of SoFi Center on the campus of Palm Beach State College.
TGL
TMRW Sports, a company co-founded by Woods and McIlroy, has brought to life this groundbreaking venture. Both players will be participating in the league, representing Jupiter Links Golf Club and Boston Common Golf, respectively.
"I have always been a strong advocate for TGL, but with the increasing momentum over the past year, I am now even more thrilled about its potential to captivate game enthusiasts worldwide," stated Woods in a recent press release. As Woods prepares for his upcoming competitive appearance later this month, his confidence in bringing this concept to fruition remains unwavering, despite the need for adjustments due to recent events.
McIlroy stated, "The combination of disappointment and anticipation arises from the postponement. Most importantly, we are relieved that no one suffered injuries.
"We eagerly await the unveiling of TGL. Despite the setback of the delay, this pause provides us with the opportunity to gather ourselves, reorient our efforts, and come back even more resilient."
What is the TGL?
First announced in August 2022, the TGL aims to attract a younger audience to golf.
Six teams, consisting of four PGA Tour stars each, participate in a competition held at the SoFi Center. They play on a course area measuring 97 by 50 yards. The players aim their tee and approach shots at a screen measuring 64 by 46 feet before transitioning to the innovative "Green Zone," which is equipped with advanced technology. Within the "Green Zone," players take shots within 50 yards of the hole on three virtual greens. These greens can be adjusted by utilizing 189 actuators and jacks, enabling the organizers to modify the slope for each hole.
Broadcast on ESPN, a 15-match regular season culminates in playoffs to crown the overall winner.
Rendering of the TGL course setup.
TGL
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Representing various cities, states, and towns across the United States are different teams such as Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Jupiter.
Among the notable players taking part in the event are McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Max Homa, and Wyndham Clark. It is worth mentioning that these six players are currently ranked among the top 10 in the world. Initially, Jon Rahm, the world number 2, was also scheduled to participate, but he decided to withdraw in November.
On July 11, 2022, Tiger Woods from the United States and Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland were captured on the 18th fairway during the Celebration of Champions, which took place before The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland.
Oisin Keniry/R&A/Getty Images
Tiger Woods and US sporting royalty set to tee off high-tech indoor golf league
"In spite of its undeniable potential, the current circumstances demand a higher level of dedication that I am unable to provide," stated Rahm in a post on X dated November 2.
"Wishing the best of luck to all individuals involved and may the most deserving team emerge victorious!"
Prominent figures from the sports industry are prominent members of the ownership groups for the six teams.
The leadership of the Los Angeles Golf Club consists of the renowned tennis sisters Serena and Venus Williams. The San Francisco team has the involvement of the two-time NBA MVP, Steph Curry. Boston Common Golf is spearheaded by Fenway Sports Group, which possesses ownership of the MLB's Boston Red Sox, the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, NASCAR's RFK Racing, and the English Premier League football club, Liverpool.
