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) returns for its second season, launching 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 GC.
Tiger Woods joins as mic’d-up presence
While the six teams remain unchanged, superstars Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will sit out early matches due to back surgery recovery. However, Woods has promised to be present at every Jupiter Links GC match starting January 13, equipped with a microphone. Expect the 15-time major champion to lend his voice—and perhaps some entertainment value—to the action.
Tech upgrades and signature holes
The TGL arena has undergone major upgrades. The putting green has expanded by 38%, now nearly 500 square meters with 12 pin positions. Over 600 actuators simulate slopes and breaks. ‘The green is easier to read now,’ says Wyndham Clark. ‘That benefits the best putters among us.’
Artificial turf has also been reoriented so every chip plays with the grain, allowing for more creative shot-making. Signature holes have been introduced for each team, including ‘Bay Breaker’ for The Bay GC with redwoods and San Francisco skyline, and ‘Big Apple’ for New York GC featuring the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty.
Virtual Eye and SmartPin Cam return
The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras, including the award-winning SmartPin Cam offering 360-degree views from the pin’s perspective. Enhanced Virtual Eye tech allows for better shot tracking and comparisons. As Billy Horschel puts it: ‘We’ve got holes like on a real course—but also ones you’d see in a video game. Because that’s what we’re playing: a high-tech video game.’