Breaking Down TGL: The Future of Golf or Just a Flash in the Pan?
If you’re as obsessed with golf as I am, then TGL has definitely been on your radar. Whether you’re hyped about it, skeptical, or still scratching your head wondering what it is—let’s talk about it.
TGL, or Tomorrow’s Golf League, just wrapped up its first-ever season, with Atlanta Drive GC making history as the inaugural SoFi Cup champions. This high-tech indoor golf league—co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy—is part simulator, part live-action, and all about pushing the boundaries of how we experience golf. Players tee off into a simulator, then transition to a real-life rotating green that mimics different putting conditions. It’s like a mix of e-sports, Topgolf, and the Ryder Cup… and it’s kind of awesome.
But let’s be real—it wasn’t perfect. Some things worked, some things really didn’t, and some tweaks are desperately needed before Season 2. Let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers from TGL’s debut season.
THE BROADCAST WAS MID AT BEST.
Listen, ESPN. We need to talk. The coverage was... rough. The commentary team never found their groove, and in-arena reporter Marty Smith’s over-the-top delivery often felt more forced than fun. Case in point: his Finals interview with Matt Fitzpatrick, where he asked if watching hiIf you’re as obsessed with golf as I am, then TGL has definitely been on your radar. Whether you’re hyped about it, skeptical, or still scratching your head wondering what it is—let’s talk about it.
TGL, or Tomorrow’s Golf League, just wrapped up its first-ever season, with Atlanta Drive GC making history as the inaugural SoFi Cup champions. This high-tech indoor golf league—co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy—is part simulator, part live-action, and all about pushing the boundaries of how we experience golf. Players tee off into a simulator, then transition to a real-life rotating green that mimics different putting conditions. It’s like a mix of e-sports, Topgolf, and the Ryder Cup… and it’s kind of awesome.
But let’s be real—it wasn’t perfect. Some things worked, some things really didn’t, and some tweaks are desperately needed before Season 2. Let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers from TGL’s debut season.
TGL is fun, but it’s not that deep.
But there was a bright spot—the hot mics. Hearing real-time strategy discussions and player reactions? Pure gold. ESPN, please, more of that. Less awkward sideline interviews, more raw player interactions.
PLAY WAS QUICK AND ENERGIZING
If you don’t see the potential in TGL, you might just not like fun. Sure, the inaugural season had its bumps, but the combination of technology and traditional golf elements makes for an exciting spectacle. This is golf reimagined, and it opens the door for all sorts of creative tweaks.
We’re literally seeing players hit balls over pools of lava. This isn’t Augusta, nor does it need to be. It’s dramatic, fast-paced, and downright entertaining—especially when players like Justin Thomas, Shane Lowry, and Tom Kim fully embrace the spectacle. TGL should double down on that energy in 2026.
WHY THE OVERTIME THOUGH?
Ending a match with a closest-to-the-pin contest? Meh. TGL claims it’s their version of soccer penalty kicks, but let’s be real—it lacks drama. The most pressure-packed moments in golf happen on the greens, so why not finish there?
A better idea: Make overtime a putting shootout. Set up the rotating green for 20-foot putts, and have teams go head-to-head in a sudden-death format. If it’s still tied after three rounds, let them keep going until someone drains one. That’s the kind of finale that would leave fans on the edge of their seats.
The Hammer Rule AND THE GREAT CHANGE
The midseason change to the Hammer rule? A game-changer. The strategic element—deciding whether to Hammer before a tee shot, in a pressure moment, or when behind—added an exciting layer to the matches.
But there’s still a major flaw: teams declining Hammers is a total buzzkill. The moment a team concedes instead of battling it out, the energy gets sucked out of the arena.
Fix: Teams must accept Hammers, but tweak the scoring. If the Hammer-throwing team wins the hole, they get 2 points. But if the other team pulls off the upset, they “Flip the Hammer” and take 3 points. This keeps the stakes high and ensures every Hammer moment is worth watching.
Credit: TGL
Players Who Get It GOT IT
Some players absolutely thrived in this new format. Billy Horschel, Min Woo Lee, and Tom Kim brought an energy that made matches feel electric. These guys understood that TGL isn’t just about playing great golf—it’s about putting on a show.
But then there were guys who… well, just didn’t bring the same vibe. (Looking at you, Lucas Glover and Cameron Young.) This format thrives on personality. If you’re not celebrating a clutch putt, engaging with the crowd, or showing some emotion, you’re missing the point.
TGL needs more players who embrace the moment. If you’re not ready to bring the fire, maybe stick to the PGA Tour.
Player Diversity WAS LAKING
TGL is great—but it could be so much better if it expanded the player pool. It’s a no-brainer to bring LPGA stars into the mix. Imagine Brooke Henderson teaming up with Tiger Woods? That’s a dream pairing, and it would bring a whole new audience to the league.
Then there’s the LIV Golf question. Like it or not, guys like Bryson DeChambeau were made for this. He’s entertaining, he knows how to engage a crowd, and let’s be real—TGL isn’t that different from the YouTube golf content he thrives in. (Big ups he’s one of my faves!) If the PGA Tour and LIV continue to mend fences, this could be an epic addition in future seasons.
Credit: TGL
Final Verdict: TGL is Here to Stay (With Some Tweaks)
Was Season 1 perfect? Not even close. But TGL has something special. It’s fast, fun, and it makes golf more accessible to a wider audience. The foundation is there—it just needs some refining.
The good news? Expansion is already in the works, and with some smart adjustments, TGL could evolve into one of golf’s most exciting events.
So, what do you think? Is TGL the future of golf, or just a flashy experiment? Let’s hear it in the comments!