New holes, bigger green, more cameras and 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 the inaugural final between Atlanta Drive and New York.
Tiger Woods mic’d up for TGL
The six teams remain unchanged, but stars Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will miss the start due to back surgery rehab. Woods, however, has promised to attend every Jupiter Links GC match starting January 13—mic’d up and ready to entertain. Expect the 15-time major winner to chime in with commentary, adding a new layer of entertainment to the format.
Signature holes and tech upgrades
This season introduces several technical enhancements. The putting green has been expanded by 38% to nearly 500 square meters, now offering twelve pin positions. The artificial turf has been adjusted to favor chip shots with the grain, increasing shot creativity. The SoFi Center now features 79 cameras and an upgraded Virtual-Eye system, including the award-winning SmartPin Cam for immersive 360-degree views from the flagstick.
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 Statue of Liberty. Atlanta’s ‘Fore-O-Fore’ highlights the city’s silhouette. These holes are played whenever the respective teams compete, offering a home-course advantage.
Entertainment meets innovation
Gil Hanse’s first TGL hole, ‘Stone & Steeple,’ is a par 5 with a New England-style church and cemetery bordering the fairway. ‘Shots too far left won’t live long,’ warns the TGL description. As Billy Horschel puts it: ‘We have holes like on a real course, but also ones you’d find in a video game. We’re playing a high-tech video game.’