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Paige Spiranac reacts to Kevin Kisner’s bunker blunder that left Tiger Woods in stitches

By Admin January 16, 2025

Tiger Woods made a highly anticipated debut in the TGL, leading his team, Jupiter Links GC, against Los Angeles GC.

Walking out to the iconic “Eye of the Tiger, “Woods was all smiles, hyping up fans and promising an entertaining night of golf.

He set the tone with a confident opening shot, but the match quickly veered off course for Jupiter Links. The team suffered a resounding 12-1 defeat, with five penalty balls highlighting their struggles.

READ: 3 Things That Went Wrong With Tiger Woods TGL During Debut Match

The night wasn’t just about the scoreline. Kevin Kisner, a member of Woods’ team, delivered one of the tournament’s most unforgettable-and unfortunate-moments. On the par-3 14th hole, Kisner found himself in a bunker. Attempting what should’ve been a routine shot, he miscalculated spectacularly, sending the ball flying straight into the flagstick. The ricochet drew laughter from the crowd, with even Woods unable to stifle his amusement. “It was one of the funniest moments I’ve ever seen,”Woods admitted during the post-match press conference.

Kisner’s misstep quickly became a viral sensation. Social media buzzed with reactions, and golf influencer Paige Spiranac chimed in with her signature humor. Sharing a clip of the incident on X, she joked, “One of us! One of us! One of us!” playfully emphasizing her solidarity with Kisner while gently ribbing him.

Woods, never one to shy away from banter, poked fun at Kisner during the press conference. He joked about a microphone seemingly stuck in Kisner’s ear, adding to the hilarity of the night. Max Homa, another big name in the field, couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity of the mishap, further solidifying the incident as the talk of the tournament.

Despite the comic relief, the night was bittersweet for Woods. While his team’s performance left much to be desired, the event showcased the TGL’s unique blend of competition and entertainment.“We’re here to have fun and showcase golf,”Woods said before the match. Though the result was disappointing, his lighthearted demeanor showed he’s embracing the TGL’s mission to bring a new energy to the sport.

Kisner’s bunker blunder, though embarrassing, became a reminder that even pros are human. As Woods put it, “It was just one of those weird nights.” With lessons learned and laughs shared, the TGL’s debut delivered plenty of drama, setting the stage for more unforgettable moments ahead.

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3 Things That Went Wrong With Tiger Woods’s TGL During Debut Match

By Admin January 14, 2025

What did the world think of the 1st match of TGL?

There is no doubt that the contest between The Bay Golf Club & New York Golf Club was one of the most anticipated golf events of 2025.

Fans had been waiting for Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy’s TGL to kick off forever. Finally getting to experience the indoor golf simulation event left the fans in awe. Not only that, even the pro golfers playing the event were enjoying themselves. This is not only a positive sign for Woods & McIlroy but also an attractive prospect for the community, as TGL has been a hit and fans can’t wait to see more of it.

READ: Here’s Why Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Dream May Be on the Brink of Collapse

However, there were still a few criticisms that Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy’s project received. Insiders shared their views about the format of TGL and the entire setup after the event had concluded. Let’s look at some of the eye-catching things they had to say.

The Hammer getting overused

The concept of the Hammer is pretty unique in the world of golf and TGL has nearly nailed its implementation. Watching Xander Schauffele trying to throw the Hammer for every shot was extremely entertaining. However, it was clearly overused which doesn’t work well when there is money involved in the competition.

That’s what Smylie Kaufman had to say on his YouTube channel in a podcast a few days ago. Joined by his co-host, Charlie Hulme, the duo were on The Smylie Show to give a review of the 1st match of TGL and share what they felt about Schauffele trying to use the hammer often. That’s when Kaufman said, “It’s a shame, there should be unlimited Hammers,” joking about how the Hammer shouldn’t have been confiscated from Xander Schauffele.

To this, Hulme replied “That was the strongest complaint on social media. You’re 100% correct,” confirming that even the fans wanted to see the Hammer getting used often. However, the 1x PGA Tour winner then stated that unlimited hammers would get things out of control making TGL look more like a gameshow than a sports event.

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Confirmed seat fillers

Fans watching TGL remotely were amazed to see the attendance at the arena at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Nearly every seat was filled and the crowd was enjoying themselves watching the 1st round from the venue.

However, not everyone had paid for the tickets to enter the arena for the first match. No, we’re not talking about athletes and influencers who were invited by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. There was a controversy a few weeks ago where the TGL team was rumored to be looking for seat fillers for the 1st match of the league. A spokesperson from the tournament denied those speculations and all the tickets were purchased by the fans.

However, another insider revealed that TGL did in fact hire actors to participate in the event for the 1st round. In fact, the person who exposed the details was also a spokesperson for TGL, Adam Freifeld. He provided details of the “seat-filler” arrangement. However, as the story gained attention, TGL reps stepped in again to deflect the statement as they said that they did hire paid actors to visualize the event before it happened. There were no actual actors seated in the arena during the live match.

Lack of competitiveness

TGL’s 1st round was fun, entertaining, and exciting. Everyone, from the fans to the players was laughing and enjoying themselves during the entire contest. The atmosphere in the arena was quite energetic and delightful for everyone. But perhaps it was just a bit too much of all of that.

At least that is what Frankie Borrelli thought as he reviewed the 1st round of TGL for the Fore Play Podcast Plus YouTube channel. Speaking to his fellow hosts, Borrelli said that the format of TGL is just too different for it to be a competitive league. He criticized the constant use of music, fake cheering, and booing as he said, “They need to make the shots feel a little bit more meaningful. Because this is a league that needs to be sustainable year after year,” before stating that this doesn’t feel like natural sports.

Borrelli also shared an example of how “Tiger Woods vs. Rory McIlroy” will be a lot more intense in silence. The Fore Play Podcast Plus host believes that the natural reaction of the crowd after either of the greats hits an excellent shot will be a lot more meaningful. He stated that “all night it was like a game show,” suggesting that TGL is going a bit too far away from competitive golf. The host also Hammered Matt Fitzpatrick for his funny reaction after hitting a bad shot when his team was losing. He thinks that TGL “doesn’t need be this huge charade or circus,” as he expects players to take it seriously just like they would do in PGA Tour or DP World Tour event.

These were some of the biggest criticisms TGL received after the end of the 1st round. However, there were some other issues that caught the spotlight, like DJ Khaled’s appearance getting a lot of heat from the fans.

But, do you think that Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy should make some changes to TGL after receiving such feedback? Do you think the change TGL is bringing, is actually a welcomed surprise to golf? Share your views in the comments section.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy planning surprise LIV Golf move as TGL resumes

By Admin January 13, 2025

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new interactive golf league, TGL, is set to make significant changes, including extending an unexpected olive branch to players in LIV Golf.

Initially, TGL was perceived as a league exclusively for PGA Tour players, stopping short of being a direct competitor to the Saudi Arabia-backed league. The divide became starkly apparent when former Masters champion Jon Rahm pulled out of TGL just weeks before signing his $550M (£450M) deal with LIV.

The TGL officially kicked off a week ago in Florida and will resume on Tuesday night with Woods participating in his first game in the interactive sim league. McIlroy is set to play for the first time in a week, against Woods’ Jupiter Links GC.

JUST IN: Here’s Why Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Dream May Be on the Brink of Collapse

Despite only being a week old, it appears that TGL is poised for expansion sooner rather than later, with TMRW Sports co-founder Mike McCarley suggesting that the league will spread to new locations.

Currently, the games are held at the SoFi Center in Florida, but officials have already scouted new sites in anticipation of a potential future expansion. Locations in Las Vegas, Southern California, and Scottsdale have all been mentioned, according to Sport Business Journal, reports the Mirror.

In addition to this expansion, McCarley revealed plans to recruit players from LIV, potentially paving the way for Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to return. The report suggests player involvement could be a factor in the ongoing merger talks between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, the backers of LIV.

McCarley highlighted the media buzz around potential changes but stressed the importance of the present responsibilities: “I know it’s interesting and I know everyone’s talking about it and I know it’s fun to kind of pontificate on what could or could not be, but we have a job to do. We’ve got to deliver a really compelling product,” he said.

He didn’t dispute the possibility of recruiting LIV players, saying, “Oh yeah. Yes, absolutely [LIV players could be signed],” Yet, he emphasized the current success: “But the reality is, we have a good business in what we have right now.”

Discussions continue between Public Investment Fund (PIF) representatives and PGA Tour executives regarding a potential collaboration, with various models under review. Meanwhile, ex-Masters winner Patrick Reed expressed his views to Mirror Sport on the necessity of diverse leagues for the growth of golf.

Reed conveyed his vision for the game: “Hopefully we can just start focusing on golf rather than PGA Tour vs LIV or DP World Tour vs LIV and more about the guys vs the guys. Obviously some guys didn’t like that some guys jumped and played on a different league, but at the same time I think it has really helped grow the game of golf and showed a different side of it, LIV is different, it is trying to show a different side of golf.”

He continued to clarify the contribution of the new league: “We don’t need another league that is exactly like the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour. We are trying to bring the younger generation into golf. How do you do that? Add music, a team aspect, have it be faster, have it not last as long with a shotgun start, have the concerts. It shows a new side of golf and a newer age.”

“I think golf needs both. Not one or the other golf needs both because the traditionalists will tend towards the PGA Tour, whereas the kids or younger generation who want a faster pace, there is a perfect spot to see that at LIV.”

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Here’s Why Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Dream May Be on the Brink of Collapse

By Admin January 13, 2025

LIV Golf’s reality has fallen short of its initial hype and promise, and it’s clear that the dream is not quite what it used to be.

Despite its ambitious goals and high-profile signings, the league has struggled with viewership, sponsorship, and legal issues, casting a shadow over its future prospects. It’s hard not to notice that the excitement around LIV Golf’s launch has given way to some serious concerns about its future. The truth is, it’s getting tougher to shake the feeling that LIV Golf’s best days might already be behind it. Greg Norman’s vision for a rival golf tour was certainly ambitious, but now it’s looking increasingly uncertain. So, what’s holding LIV Golf back?

So, what’s really going on with LIV Golf? Well, the first roadblock that might be hindering its quest for legitimacy is the lack of a clear pathway for growth and legacy. Eugenio Chacarra’s recent confession was a telling indictment of the tour’s priorities. Despite being a winner on the LIV Golf Tour, Chacarra felt unfulfilled and unrecognized, with no clear opportunities for advancement or major championships. We can’t blame the golfer here though as his words painted a picture of an organization that values money above all else which leaves its players feeling empty and uninspired.

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy rub salt into Greg Norman’s wounds with LIV Golf olive branch

While yes, Chacarra’s decision to leave LIV Golf and pursue his dreams on the PGA Tour may be considered controversial, fans do believe it was the right one. As he aptly put it, “I’m not a guy who wants more money. What will change my life is playing in Hawaii and qualifying for the majors, qualifying for the Masters, the Ryder Cup.” We mean, who wouldn’t want that? His story is a powerful reminder that for many golfers, the love of the game goes far beyond the lure of a fat paycheck.

LIV Golf is facing a bit of a conundrum, and it’s a pretty big one. The relegation system, which was supposed to inject some excitement and competition into the league, has essentially been rendered meaningless. Why you ask? Well, a case in point is Branden Grace, who finished a dismal 51st out of 57 players last season, yet is back with Stinger GC. Yeah, you read that right, a player who got relegated is just… back. No fuss, whatsoever. Unsurprisingly, this reversal has sparked a legitimacy crisis, with fans calling foul and questioning the league’s commitment to fairness and transparency. You see, it’s not just about Branden Grace, it’s about the entire system, which appears to be more focused on making exceptions for certain players rather than promoting genuine competition.

The news that took the golf world by storm, is still not official. Yes, we’re talking about the LIV Golf and Fox Sports deal. LIV Golf’s broadcast deal is still nowhere to be found – a broadcast deal for LIV Golf remains elusive. Despite all the hype, the parties involved haven’t made an official announcement yet. It’s got everyone in the golf world wondering what’s going on. To make matters worse, the merger that was supposed to be a game-changer has stalled. That’s a big problem for LIV Golf’s future. And if that wasn’t enough, coupled with the absence of OWGR points, major exemptions, and other benefits, is already taking its toll. Players like Eugenio Chacarra are already jumping ship, and well you can’t really blame them now can you?

As we all heard, Greg Norman’s time as LIV Golf’s CEO is coming to an end. Norman himself confirmed that his contract is hitting the wall in August 2025 and while he’ll be sticking around in some capacity it’s clear that his role is about to undergo a major change. Norman has been fully committed to LIV until now and has done pretty amazing work like getting golfers like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau to join the league. However, he’s likely to step back from the CEO position, which means he’ll have less influence over key decisions and important matters. This news isn’t entirely unexpected, given rumors that the PIF was seeking new leadership. As LIV Golf continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Norman’s legacy will move onwards.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy rub salt into Greg Norman’s wounds with LIV Golf olive branch

By Admin January 12, 2025

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy launched a new golf and reached out to Greg Norman’s successor at LIV Golf.

Norman was head of the breakaway league when it first launched in 2022. Despite LIV and the PGA Tour agreeing on the framework for a merger in June 2023, Woods and McIlroy have remained at loggerheads with the two-time major winner.

On Tuesday, Woods and McIlroy attended the inaugural Tomorrow’s Golf League match, launched by their company TMRW Sports. Blending virtual golf and matchplay, the indoor team event is a major shakeup in the golfing world—and an invite was extended to a LIV Golf executive.

READ: Tiger Woods confirms plan for TGL debut as young phenom is forced to wait

The Sports Business Journal reported that Scott O’Neil, who is widely expected to replace Norman as LIV CEO, was spotted at the SoFi Center for the debut of TGL. There was no mention of O’Neil being accompanied by Norman. It has been reported that the 69-year-old will be moved into a different role by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

In 2022, Woods turned down a reported $800m offer from LIV to leave the PGA Tour. That December, at the height of golf’s fractious rivalry, Woods felt there was no hope of a merger because Norman was in charge. “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening,” Woods said.

“As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you?

“They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organisations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it. I think it has to start with leadership on their side.”

While Woods is part of the PAC working on the merger between the PGA and LIV, McIlroy has also spent time with PIF officials. Having previously advised Norman to “exit stage left”, the Northern Irishman believed a deal would be easier to strike without Norman’s involvement.

“I think I’ve said this before, I have spent time with [PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan] and the people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, so [Greg] Norman and those guys,” McIlroy explained last year.

“I actually think there’s a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV. I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalise that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”

The launch of TGL had been delayed by a year before The Bay Golf Club scored a 9-2 win over the New York Golf Club on Tuesday. TGL is comprised of six four-man teams, with each 15-hole match split between triples and singles matchplay. Having been organized in with the PGA, TGL will be played on weekdays and is next in action on January 14.

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Tiger Woods confirms plan for TGL debut as young phenom is forced to wait

By Admin January 11, 2025

Tiger Woods will make his TGL debut alongside Kevin Kisner and Max Homa on Tuesday, with rising star Tom Kim missing out on selection.

Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club will make its bow in the tech-powered golf league, which enjoyed a successful launch this week. His trio will take on Los Angeles Golf Club in the league’s second match, with California natives Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala to joined by England’s Justin Rose.

Rose’s countryman Tommy Fleetwood will also sit out the match, which will be played at the league’s SoFi Center arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where a crowd of 1,500 fans watched TGL’s inaugural match on Tuesday.

JUST IN: Tiger Woods in the middle of controversy after paid actors were in ‘attendance’ for TGL

The Bay – made up of Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg and Wyndham Clark – defeated New York’s Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick in a one-sided match to tee off the innovative tournament.

Players hit longer shots into a huge simulator screen that is five stories tall before turning their focus to a short-game area situated on a turntable that changes orientation and topography depending on the virtual hole being played.

Night one proved a big success for TGL and ESPN, with an average of more than 900,000 viewers tuning in for the opening match. The audience peaked at 1.1 million viewers when the players hit their first tee shots, the “Worldwide Leader” reported.

Those numbers are almost certain to rise for Woods’ debut. The 49-year-old has played a significantly reduced schedule in recent years due to injuries suffered on and off the course, but he remains golf’s great needle-mover – topping the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program rankings in 2024 despite playing only five events.

Woods, who instigated the creation of TGL alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, was in attendance for the inaugural match and he could not contain his excitement to play his first match.

“I’m excited to do this. It’s been a dream come true to build something like this and have it come to reality. I’m part of the playing process now and I haven’t been part of the playing process for a while,” he said on the broadcast.

“It’s a little bit harder for me to play a full-time schedule, but this is something neat and we’re able to bring it to all the fans all around the world.”

World No. 23 Kim is one of golf’s brightest young stars. The 22-year-old already has three PGA Tour victories to his name and 12 victories worldwide. He has also shown himself to be charismatic and captivating viewing, displaying his competitive edge when he represented the International team in a tempestuous Presidents Cup last year – meaning his personality and talent should be a valuable asset for made-for-TV league TGL when he eventually gets his chance to play.

With all players mic’d up throughout the match, Kisner and Homa are also sure to provide plenty of entertainment. Kisner is a master of the mind games of matchplay golf, while Homa is never shy in showing his sense of humor both on and off the course.

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Tiger Woods in the middle of controversy after paid actors were in “attendance” for TGL

By Admin January 11, 2025

As it prepares for a takeover of golf, recent revelations about the use of paid actors in the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) sparked a wave of speculation and debate within the sports community.

However, TGL officials have firmly clarified the matter.

The company formed by sports executive Mike McCarley and professional golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour, has assured fans and critics alike that these actors are part of a specific operational strategy, not a regular feature of live events.

READ: Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods golf league earns mixed reviews following launch

The clarification serves to reassure fans who are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in golf. With a focus on innovation, the league promises to deliver excitement and accessibility to a broader audience, all while maintaining the core values of the sport.

The upcoming events are set to be a showcase of not just athletic prowess, but also the seamless integration of entertainment, technology, and fan engagement. The decision to use actors in preliminary stages is seen as a strategic move to ensure a flawless execution when the curtains rise on live broadcasts.

The innovative golf league aims to revolutionize the sport by blending traditional elements with modern entertainment. As part of their preparations, TGL has employed paid actors during dress rehearsals and for additional filmed content. This approach is akin to the use of seat fillers at high-profile award shows, ensuring a visually appealing and engaging presentation for viewers.

During the initial rollout, rumors surfaced suggesting that actors might be present at actual live events, potentially diminishing the authenticity of the audience experience. TGL responded swiftly, emphasizing that actors are used solely in controlled environments to fine-tune logistics and create supplementary content.

While the initial use of paid actors may have raised eyebrows, TGL’s transparency looks to be transforming golf for a new era. As the league moves forward, fans can look forward to witnessing a new experience of live golf, untainted by the presence of scripted participants.

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Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods golf league earns mixed reviews following launch

By Admin January 10, 2025

Sports fans have been reacting to Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ new high-tech golf league following its launch.

The TGL has earned mixed reviews from spectators who have been reacting to the virtual format and shot clock.

This ambitious project, which Woods and McIlroy have been gearing up to launch, is set to spotlight 24 leading PGA Tour names in weekly broadcasted clashes at an exclusive indoor venue in Florida.

The roster boasts six teams comprising four players each, including heavy hitters like Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, New York Golf Club, The Bay Golf Club, Jupiter Links GC, and LAGC. Positioned as a fusion of traditional golf and modern tech, TGL unfolds indoors, utilising vast golf simulators as part of its drive to weave technology into the game’s fabric.

JUST IN: Best is yet to come for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, as TGL gets huge TV ratings boost

The opening event featured the likes of golf stars Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick of New York Golf Club who took on Wyndham Clark, Shane Lowry, and Ludvig Aberg representing The Bay Golf Club.

The reaction to the TGL has been mixed. Some have praised the idea of a shot clock and enjoyed for the facilities at Palm Beach State College’s advanced SoFi Center streamed in, reports the Express.

One fan said on social media: “Yep, it’s something….first impressions is hopefully this normalises a shot clock”.

Another added: “I actually don’t hate it yet. I’m mostly jealous that there’s a place that exists with a 3000 square foot simulator screen and a green / pitching area that can change contours. That’s actually cool. Imagine having that as a practice facility”.

The innovative TGL has been making waves, with one fan sharing: “I like the technology and engineering of it. Also love the different style and shot clock to make it fast paced (once it actually started).”

Another highlighted their enjoyment: “I’m enjoying it so far… watching the ball fly on the screen with a shot tracker is weird for me… but other than that I’m enjoying it. the pace is good and the inane banter is minimal… a win so far IMO.”

The creative course layout also drew comments, with one viewer saying: “Unrealistic holes are a choice but given that it’s virtual anyway, I think I’m good with it? I mean watching someone play virtual St Andrews wouldn’t measure up… so something new. Who knows.”

Meanwhile, not everyone was impressed. One fan criticised the event for a specific omission: “How does TGL, a made for TV golf simulator league, not show the distance on the shot tracer,” while another questioned additional features: “What purpose does the ref serve?”

Some viewers found the presentation lacking excitement, particularly due to a sluggish start: “It’s already boring,” complained an individual, referring to the 17-minute delay before action commenced. 17 minutes before they hit their first shot. Hype man. Pass.”

One person advised a livelier debut for such an event: “If I were launching a FUN NEW EXCITING golf league, I wouldn’t have the first 15 minutes of the inaugural TV window consist of … golfer interviews and rules/format explanations.”

In TGL, the team accumulating the most points emerges victorious, with each hole’s winner bagging one point. A match is made up of 15 holes and two sessions: the first session is a ‘triples’ nine-hole three vs three foursomes match, while the second session is a ‘singles’ one-on-one duel over six holes, where each player competes in two holes.

If matches end in a tie after regular play, an overtime challenge akin to a penalty shootout is initiated, where a team must land two shots closer to the hole than their rivals to claim victory.

Once the 15-week season wraps up, the top four teams in the league will battle it out in the playoffs, culminating in a best-of-three final to crown the inaugural TGL champion.

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Best is yet to come for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, as TGL gets huge TV ratings boost

By Admin January 10, 2025

The opening night of TGL – the tech-infused golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – was greeted by impressive TV viewing figures, without either man playing in the inaugural match.

TGL debuted on ESPN on Tuesday with The Bay – comprised of Wyndham Clark, Shane Lowry and Ludvig Aberg – defeating the New York team of Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick in a one-sided match.

The launch of the league created plenty of intrigue, with some of the PGA Tour’s top stars playing fantasy golf holes – including one set on an active volcano – by hitting into a massive simulator screen before moving to a dynamic short-game area with a green that rotates and changes typography for each new virtual creation – all in front of a 1,500 crowd at the bespoke SoFi Center arena in Florida.

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy add insult to injury for Greg Norman at TGL launch

And viewers responded in their droves, with an average audience of 919,000 across the two-hour broadcast, with a peak of 1.1 million viewers as the players hit their first shots. Most encouragingly for TGL, which is aiming to attract younger audiences, the opening match proved to be a hit with its target demographic.

The “Worldwide Leader” reported that TGL’s opener averaged 402,270 viewers aged 18-49, accounting for 44 per cent of the viewership – a much greater proportion than a typical PGA Tour event.

The broadcast was a success in attracting younger male viewers in particular, with 77 per cent of viewers from the 18-49 bracket being male, compared to 67 per cent for the final round of The Sentry in Hawaii on Sunday.

And better numbers likely await on the horizon. Despite injuries suffered both on and off the golf course dramatically reducing Woods’ playing schedule in recent years, he remains golf’s great needle mover – evidenced by the 15-time major champion ranking top of the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program bonus scheme for $10 million despite playing only five events in 2024.

Woods will make his TGL debut next week when his Jupiter Links Golf Club play Los Angeles, and although seeing the 49-year-old play simulator golf will not compare to the memories of him charging through the field on a Sunday, the chance to see him tee it up is sure to be appealing to both golf purists and casual fans.

And a week later, TGL will stage its headline attraction when Woods and his crew take on McIlroy’s Boston Common in primetime – without anything in the way of competition from the NFL or the College Football Playoff.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy add insult to injury for Greg Norman at TGL launch

By Admin January 9, 2025

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy sent an invite to the man tipped to replace Greg Norman at LIV Golf to their brand-new indoor golf league.

When LIV first hit the fairways in 2022, Norman was at the helm, stirring up controversy and causing a rift in the world of professional golf. And while LIV and the PGA Tour agreed on a framework for a merger between the two promotions in June 2023, McIlroy and Woods have remained at a standoff with Aussie legend Norman.

At a ground-breaking event held on Tuesday (January 7), both McIlroy and Woods graced the inaugural match of the Tomorrow’s Golf League – an ambitious project of their joint company TMRW Sports. This innovative league marries virtual reality tech with the classic game in an indoor matchup setting, a bold step for the sport – and an invite to the event was even extended to a LIV Golf executive.

READ: Inside the 10 most remarkable courses on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL

According to the Sports Business Journal, Scott O’Neil – who is rumoured to be stepping into Norman’s shoes as LIV’s main man – was seen attending the TGL’s big kick-off at the SoFi Center without Norman alongside him. Speculation suggests Norman, aged 69, will be pivoted to a new position by the bosses at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, reports the Mirror US.

Back in 2022, Woods famously refused a jaw-dropping offer from LIV, speculated to be around $800m, opting to stick with the PGA Tour. That December, during the height of the tensions between the rival golf factions, Woods spoke out, doubting a merger while Norman was at the wheel.

He said: “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening. As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you?

“They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organisations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it. I think it has to start with leadership on their side.” While Woods is actively involved in the PAC overseeing the potential PGA-LIV merger, McIlroy hasn’t shied away from engaging with PIF chiefs either.

After earlier suggesting that Norman should “exit stage left”, McIlroy believes removing Norman from the equation could pave the way for smoother negotiations. He explained last year: “I think I’ve said this before, I have spent time with [PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan] and the people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, so [Greg] Norman and those guys.

“I actually think there’s a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV. I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalise that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”

The TGL launch was delayed by a year prior to Tuesday’s event, which saw The Bay Golf Club clinch a 9-2 win over New York Golf Club. TGL is made up of six four-man teams, with each 15-hole match split into triples and singles play. It is set to be played on weekdays, and the next event takes place on January 15.

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