Tiger Woods’ new tech-infused golf league is nearing its prime-time debut, and Woods says his TGL format is easy to follow. But he can’t seem to say that for another somewhat new start-up golf league.
Tuesday was a big day for Woods and the TGL, as it was announced that Woods’ TGR Ventures, along with investor David Blitzer, would be the owners of the newly announced sixth TGL franchise, Jupiter Links Golf Club.
Woods spoke to Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press about his TGL team, the league and even the health of his ankle following surgery.
“It’s exciting that this group of guys is coming together for a two-hour window and we’re just going to basically hit balls, talk a lot of (trash) and people are going to be gambling on absolutely everything, each and every shot,” Woods said. “Every shot there’s going to be a wager.”
Last week we learned more about the TGL format, as some of the team rosters begin to take shape. The league will have two teams face off each week, with three of each team’s four players competing. They’ll square off in nine holes of alternate shot, in which all three players from each team are included. They’ll finish the 15-hole event with six holes of one-on-one singles play, in which each player competes in two of the six holes.
LIV Golf was the first to introduce a season-long team event, but Woods said his league’s format is easier to follow. It’s only a team score — there’s no competition for just individuals — but with LIV Golf there’s an individual and team tournament happening at the same time.
Woods also said the fact that some players already have an established connection to the city they play for (like Woods in Jupiter, and also Keegan Bradley in Boston, among others) — will benefit viewers.
“Some of the stuff I’ve seen in LIV … I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on,” Woods said. “Here it’s very simple.”
Will this new made-for-TV league fueled by Woods and Rory McIlroy be that much easier for fans to follow? And, more importantly, will they be return visitors? We’ll find out come 2024. The league debuts on Jan. 9 on ESPN.
