New holes, bigger green, more cameras and 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 opener is a rematch of last year’s final, where Atlanta Drive edged out New York on the final hole to become the inaugural indoor golf champions.
Tiger Woods mic’d up for Jupiter Links
While the six teams remain unchanged, Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will not compete initially 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. The 15-time major winner is expected to provide commentary and insights, adding entertainment value to the broadcast.
Signature holes and tech upgrades
Each team now has its own signature hole, like New York’s ‘Big Apple’ with the Manhattan skyline and Lady Liberty, or The Bay’s ‘Bay Breaker’ featuring redwood trees and San Francisco backdrops. Gil Hanse joins the design team this year, contributing the ‘Stone & Steeple’ hole, complete with a church and cemetery to challenge players’ precision.
The green has been expanded by 38% to nearly 500 square meters, now featuring 12 pin positions. Artificial turf has been adjusted to align grain direction, enhancing chip shot creativity. The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras and an improved Virtual-Eye system, including the award-winning SmartPin Cam offering 360-degree views from the flagstick.
Entertainment meets innovation
TGL continues to blend sport and spectacle, with a strong focus on social media and TV engagement. Tiger Woods’ presence is seen as vital to ratings, and his involvement as a mic’d-up host could be a game-changer. 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.’