New holes, bigger greens, more cameras and signature holes for each team: “We’re playing a high-tech video game,” says Billy Horschel.
It’s game time again: The Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) returns for its second season at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, running through March 3. The season opener revisits the inaugural final, with Atlanta Drive facing off against New York in a rematch of last year’s championship decider.
Tiger Woods joins with a mic
The six teams remain unchanged, but stars Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will sit out early matches due to back surgery recoveries. Woods, a co-owner of TGL, has pledged to attend every Jupiter Links GC match starting January 13, equipped with a microphone. While he won’t be swinging clubs, the 15-time major champion is expected to contribute commentary and energy from the sidelines.
Tech upgrades and signature holes
The TGL has undergone significant technical enhancements. The putting green has expanded by 38%, now nearly 500 square meters with 12 pin positions. Two bunkers were enlarged, and one removed to accommodate the changes. Over 600 actuators now simulate realistic slopes and breaks. “The green is easier to read,” says Wyndham Clark of The Bay, “which benefits the best putters among us.”
Artificial turf has also been adjusted so that all chips play with the grain, allowing for more creativity and excitement. “We can do anything with the ball now,” Clark adds.
Immersive visuals and team identity
Each team now has a signature hole designed by top architects like Gil Hanse, Nicklaus Design, and Pizá Golf. The Bay’s ‘Bay Breaker’ features redwoods and fog with views of Alcatraz and San Francisco. New York’s ‘Big Apple’ showcases the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, while Atlanta’s ‘Fore-O-Fore’ highlights the city’s silhouette. Gil Hanse’s ‘Stone & Steeple’ includes a church and cemetery, reminding players that errant shots “have a short lifespan.”
“We’ve got holes like on a real golf course, and others straight out of a video game,” says Horschel. “Because ultimately, we’re playing a high-tech video game.”
Enhanced viewer experience
The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras, including the award-winning SmartPin Cam offering 360-degree views from the pin’s perspective. The improved Virtual Eye technology enhances shot tracking and ball roll visuals, aiming to elevate the entertainment factor for fans across TV and social media. Let the games begin.