New holes, bigger green, more cameras and signature holes for each team: ‘We’re playing a high-tech video game,’ says Billy Horschel.
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) returns for its second season today at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The season opener is a rematch of last year’s final between Atlanta Drive and New York, which ended with Atlanta clinching the inaugural title on the final hole.
Tiger Woods mic’d up for Jupiter Links GC
While the six teams remain unchanged, Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will not compete initially due to back surgery recovery. However, Woods, a TGL co-owner, has promised to attend every match of his team, Jupiter Links GC, starting January 13, equipped with a microphone. Fans can expect the 15-time major winner to provide commentary and insight, adding entertainment value to the matches.
Tech upgrades and signature holes
The TGL arena has undergone major upgrades. The green zone has expanded by 38% to nearly 500 square meters, now offering 12 pin positions. Two enlarged bunkers remain, while one was removed. The putting surface now uses 608 actuators to simulate slopes and breaks. Wyndham Clark of The Bay notes the green is easier to read, favoring skilled putters. Additionally, artificial turf fibers now align toward the center, enhancing chip shots and viewer excitement.
Each team has a custom-designed signature hole. The Bay’s ‘Bay Breaker’ features towering redwoods and San Francisco’s skyline. New York’s ‘Big Apple’ plays against a Manhattan backdrop with the Statue of Liberty. Atlanta’s ‘Fore-O-Fore’ showcases the city’s skyline silhouette. Gil Hanse’s ‘Stone & Steeple’ for Boston Common GC includes a New England church and cemetery, challenging players with narrow approaches and punishing mis-hits.
Enhanced viewer experience
The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras and improved Virtual-Eye technology for better ball tracking and shot comparisons. The award-winning SmartPin Cam returns, offering 360-degree views from the pin’s perspective. With entertainment at its core, TGL aims to captivate TV and social media audiences. As Billy Horschel puts it, ‘We have holes like on a real course, but also ones you’d see in a video game. We’re playing a high-tech video game.’