It's the ' golf revolution' designed to save the PGA Tour - and it will be like nothing fans have ever seen before.
TGL, a new technology inspired golf-league set up by the iconic duo of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, will see team tournaments take place in stadiums. The new initiative, which will take off in January 2024, has been viewed as a direct response to the threat posed by LIV Golf.
The Saudi-backed rebel venture has received criticism for its 54-hole formats and thus far, lack of high-quality competition. However, the financial rewards on offer has led to a growing number of high-profile defectors, with Open champion Cam Smith expected to be their next big capture.
What is the TGL?
The TGL has been created by TMRW Sports, a brand new company created by golf's new unlikely power couple. To be played on Monday nights, the series will involve 18 PGA Tour players who will split into six three-man teams.
Over the course of 15 weeks, teams will play five matches each, and no more than one on any given Monday. Players will bang through 18-holes in only two hours, a far cry from the major championships where the top stars often take five hours to reach the final green.
This will all culminate in an American style finals period, with a final four and then a grand final. The winner of the latter clash will be crowned the inaugural TGL champions.
How will it work inside a stadium?
The location of the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but for those wondering if the top stars will be coming to Anfield or Old Trafford, the venue will be custom built. It will include a 'virtual' course, and a huge cinema-style screen which players will aim for both off the tee and the 'fairway'.
However, things will change for chip shots and putts - as actual balls will be placed by a purpose-built green, surrounded by bunkers and other hazards. So the live audience will still have the chance to 'whoop and holler' as birdies go in.
In fact, the concept of dignified, well-behaved supporters that usually signifies golf will give away to rowdy crowds and ramped up atmospheres. On Wednesday, CEO of TMRW Sport Mike Mccarley, who along with Woods and McIlroy has helped create the proposal, promised ' NBA -style' entrances from players in a bid to jazz up procedures: "It’s that type of environment, music, player introductions. You’re right on top of the action as a fan. You see everything play out in front of you," he said.
How will it benefit the PGA Tour?
At this point, it is unclear of the finances involved, and as of yet there is no television deal in place either. However, undoubtedly, the indoor league will provide tour players a big chance to earn extra income alongside their customary 72-hole events.
But McIlroy has also been vocal about the need to attract a new, younger audience to the sport, and hopes that 'T20' style golf will appeal. Woods meanwhile, has said that embracing technology is crucial in the long-term future of the sport.
And the presence of Woods, in an environment where his physical frailties are far less likely to be exposed, will no doubt prove a bonus attraction. Above all of course, it is hoped that the intriguing new concept will dissuade more players from choosing the riches, and lighter schedule, of LIV Golf over the traditional tours.
