New holes, bigger green, more cameras and team signature holes: ‘We’re playing a high-tech video game,’ says Billy Horschel.
It’s game time: The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) kicks off its second season today at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The season runs through March 3 and opens with a rematch of last year’s final, where Atlanta Drive edged out New York on the final hole to claim the inaugural indoor title.
Tiger Woods mic’d up for TGL
The six teams remain unchanged, but superstar and TGL co-owner Tiger Woods, along with Atlanta’s Justin Thomas, will sit out due to back surgery recovery. However, Woods has promised to be present at every match for Jupiter Links GC starting January 13 — mic’d up and ready to chime in. The 15-time major champion is expected to add commentary and entertainment value, possibly revealing a new side as a team emcee.
Tech upgrades and signature holes
Season two brings major upgrades: the Green Zone has expanded by 38% to nearly 500 square meters, allowing for 12 pin positions (up from seven). The smallest of three bunkers was removed, while the others grew in size. TGL now uses 608 actuators to simulate slopes and breaks. ‘The green is easier to read now,’ says Wyndham Clark of The Bay. ‘It benefits the best putters among us.’
Artificial turf has also been adjusted so that the grain now runs toward the center, enhancing chipping creativity. ‘Every chip is now into the grain,’ Clark notes, ‘which makes for more exciting shots.’
Immersive visuals and virtual enhancements
Each team now has its own signature hole, designed by top architects like Gil Hanse and Nicklaus Design. The Bay’s ‘Bay Breaker’ features redwoods and San Francisco fog, while New York’s ‘Big Apple’ showcases the Manhattan skyline and Lady Liberty. Atlanta’s ‘Fore-O-Fore’ highlights the Georgia city’s silhouette. Gil Hanse’s ‘Stone & Steeple’ hole even includes a church and graveyard, warning players that errant shots may have a short lifespan.
Technologically, TGL has stepped up its game with 79 cameras, an improved Virtual-Eye system for better ball tracking, and the return of the award-winning SmartPin Cam offering 360-degree views from the flagstick. As Billy Horschel puts it: ‘We have holes like on a real course, but also ones you’d see in a video game. We’re playing a high-tech video game.’