New holes, bigger greens, more cameras and team signature holes: ‘We’re playing a high-tech video game,’ says Billy Horschel.
It’s Game Day: The Tomorrow’s Golf League, better known as TGL, kicks off its second season today at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Running through March 3rd, the season opens with a rematch of last year’s final between Atlanta Drive and New York.
Tiger Woods on the mic
The six teams remain unchanged, but Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will sit out early matches due to back surgery recoveries. Woods, however, has promised to attend every Jupiter Links GC match starting January 13, mic’d up and ready to contribute from the sidelines. With 15 majors to his name, fans are eager to see how the GOAT performs as a commentator and motivator.
High-tech upgrades and signature holes
The TGL arena has undergone major upgrades. The putting green now spans nearly 500 square meters, with 12 pin positions and 608 control elements to simulate realistic slopes and breaks. ‘The green is easier to read now,’ says Wyndham Clark of The Bay. ‘That benefits the great putters among us.’
Artificial turf has been adjusted so all chips play with the grain, enhancing shot versatility and viewer excitement. Signature holes have been introduced for each team, like The Bay’s ‘Bay Breaker’ with redwoods and San Francisco skyline, or New York’s ‘Big Apple’ featuring Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
Entertainment meets innovation
Gil Hanse’s ‘Stone & Steeple’ hole includes a church, cemetery, and a punishing left-side wall—highlighting the need for precision. ‘We have holes like on a real course, but also ones from a video game,’ says Horschel. The SoFi Center now boasts 79 cameras and an enhanced Virtual-Eye system, including the award-winning SmartPin Cam offering 360-degree views from the flag’s perspective. Let the games begin.