New holes, bigger green, more cameras and team 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. The season runs through March 3 and opens with a rematch of last year’s final between Atlanta Drive and New York.
Tiger Woods joins the action – with a mic
The six teams remain unchanged, but Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas are sitting out initially due to back surgeries. Woods, however, has promised to attend every Jupiter Links GC match, starting January 13, equipped with a microphone. Expect the 15-time major champion to chime in with commentary—let’s see how entertaining the GOAT is as a host.
Tech upgrades and signature holes
The TGL arena has undergone major updates. The putting green has expanded by 38% to nearly 500 square meters, now offering 12 pin positions. Two larger bunkers remain, and 608 actuators simulate realistic slopes and breaks. ‘The green is easier to read,’ says Wyndham Clark of The Bay, ‘which benefits the best putters.’
Artificial turf fibers now point inward, making every chip shot play with the grain. ‘It adds excitement for viewers,’ Clark adds, ‘because we can do anything with the ball.’
Six new holes have been introduced, each themed for a team. The Bay’s ‘Bay Breaker’ features redwood trees and San Francisco skyline. New York’s ‘Big Apple’ showcases Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Atlanta’s ‘Fore-O-Fore’ highlights the city’s silhouette. Gil Hanse’s ‘Stone & Steeple’ includes a church and cemetery, warning players that errant shots ‘won’t live long.’
High-tech visuals and immersive viewing
The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras and an enhanced Virtual-Eye system for better shot tracking. The award-winning SmartPin Cam returns, offering 360-degree views from the flagstick. With Tiger mic’d up and tech maxed out, TGL’s second season promises to be a true golf spectacle.