New holes, bigger green, more cameras and signature holes: ‘We’re playing a high-tech video game,’ says Billy Horschel.
It’s Game Day: The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) kicks off its second season today at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Running through March 3, the season opens with a rematch of last year’s final between Atlanta Drive and New York, where Atlanta claimed the inaugural title on the final hole.
Tiger Woods joins the action – mic’d up
The six teams remain unchanged, but co-owner Tiger Woods and Atlanta’s Justin Thomas will sit out early matches due to back surgery recovery. Woods, however, has promised to attend every Jupiter Links GC match starting January 13, equipped with a microphone. The 15-time major champion is expected to provide commentary and interact with teammates and rivals, adding entertainment value to the broadcast.
Signature holes and tech upgrades
This season features expanded technology and course design. The putting green has grown by 38% to nearly 500 square meters, with 12 pin positions and 608 slope-control actuators. ‘The green is now easier to read,’ says Wyndham Clark of The Bay. ‘It benefits good putters.’ Artificial turf fibers now point inward, making every chip play with the grain for more shot creativity.
Six new signature holes were designed by Beau Welling Design, Pizá Golf, Nicklaus Design, and newcomer Gil Hanse. Highlights include Bay Breaker, featuring redwoods and San Francisco’s skyline, and Big Apple, New York’s hole set against Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Atlanta’s Fore-O-Fore showcases the city’s silhouette, while Hanses’ Stone & Steeple hole includes a church and cemetery, reminding players that errant shots ‘don’t live long.’
Virtual Eye and SmartPin Cam return
The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras and an enhanced Virtual Eye system for better shot tracking and comparisons. The award-winning SmartPin Cam returns, offering 360-degree live views from the flagstick. With entertainment at its core, TGL blends golf and tech like never before. Let the games begin.