You know how it goes: hit it solidly on the range, march to the first tee brimming with confidence, then wonder why it all unravels on the course. I’ve written about this dynamic before, mostly because I’ve lived it.
The prestigious tournament, typically held at the Riviera, found itself in jeopardy as terrifying fires overwhelmed LA, destroying entire neighbourhoods along with countless businesses and homes, and, tragically, 25 lives have been lost to the flames that continue to rage on.
Just last week, it was revealed that the Genesis might not go ahead since the host venue is in the middle of an evacuation area. Despite being unscathed so far, the club was cleared out and remains unused.
Firefighters are still battling the inferno, and as a result, the PGA Tour confirmed this Thursday that shifting the venue was the only practical decision. However, the dates remain fixed, and a top-notch line-up is expected, including world-renowned players Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Collin Morikawa.
In their announcement, the PGA Tour emphasised: “The PGA TOUR’s focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles.
“We are grateful for the life-saving efforts of first responders and the tireless work being done to put an end to the tragic wildfires.”
“In collaboration with Genesis, The Riviera Country Club and TGR Live, and out of respect for the unfolding situation, we have determined that The Genesis Invitational 2025 will be played at an alternate location the week of Feb. 10-16. A venue update and additional tournament information will be provided in the coming days.
“The PGA TOUR is identifying the most impactful ways the tournament can support the Los Angeles community and the ongoing relief efforts. We encourage fans to join the support at PGATOUR.com/SupportLA.”
Speaking at his TGL debut this week, Woods expressed his sadness at the current situation in Los Angeles. Speaking before the announcement to move the tournament was made, Woods said: “It’s just sad. Max [Homa] and I have grown up there. We’re So Cal kids.”
“To see what has happened, I’ve known a couple people that have lost everything, so it’s just hard. As far as the Genesis, we’re trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled going forward.
“But as of right now, we’re not really focused on the tournament. It’s more about what we can do to help everyone who’s struggling, who’s lost homes and had their lives changed.”
Woods is the co-founder of golf’s hi-tech revolution – alongside Rory McIlroy – and this week it was the 49-year-old’s turn to tee it up in Florida.
His Jupiter Links team – which also featured Max Homa and Kevin Kisner – suffered a heavy 12-1 loss to a Los Angeles team made up of Sahith Theegala, Collin Morikawa and Justin Rose.
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And the omens weren’t good as early as the second hole. On the 582-yard par five, Woods hit an approach from 101 yards out.
But the 1,500-strong crowd watched as his shot flew all the way over the back of the green – and into the water.
Woods stared at the ground – and then at the simulator screen – before cameras caught his son’s hilarious reaction.
As most of the crowd sighed and howled with disappointment, the 15-year-old could be seen laughing and pointing towards his father.
Later in the night, Woods Sr. also broke down in laughter after his teammate Kisner made a dreadful blunder from the sand.
On the penultimate hole, during his singles match against Collin Morikawa, Kisner found himself in the greenside bunker.
But he thinned his shot and watched it fly into the flagstick, prompting a hilarious reaction from his teammates.
Homa crouched in panic as the ball ricocheted off into the air, while Woods doubled over in fits of laughter.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
