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Tiger 2000: Phil Mickelson ends Tiger Woods’ winning streak at Torrey

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Tiger Woods

It’s been 25 years since Tiger Woods’ historic 2000 season. As 2025 unfolds, we’ll look back on each of Woods’ starts, including his 10 worldwide wins.

First up…

Tournament: Buick Invitational
Where: Torrey Pines GC (South/North), La Jolla, California
Dates: Feb. 10-13

Tiger’s finish: T-2
Tiger’s scorecard: 71-68-67-68–274 (-14)

Setting the stage: Woods is coming off his sixth straight official victory on the PGA Tour, at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The streak equals Ben Hogan’s run in 1948, though is still five more consecutive wins shy of Byron Nelson’s record, set in 1945. It’s a quick turnaround for Woods and those heading down from Pebble, as inclement weather pushed the finish to Monday. Woods has a ton of momentum, though, after rallying from seven shots back of Matt Gogel with eight holes to play, holing out for eagle at the par-4 15th hole down the stretch and eventually winning by two shots. Upon arriving at Torrey, Woods says, “It’s a tremendous task that I have ahead of me if I am going to be the one [to break Byron Nelson’s record. … Whoever it is, you are going to have to play well for not only a long period of time, but you have to get lucky. For instance, if I shoot 64 on Monday and Matt Gogel goes out and shoots even par on the back, I don’t have a chance.”

How it happened: A year earlier at Torrey, Woods was nine shots back of leader Ted Tryba after 36 holes before mounting a comeback to win, his first of seven in the event, which is now the Farmers Insurance Open. This time, Woods finds himself trailing Davis Love III by six shots after an opening 71 on the North Course. “That’s fine,” Woods says afterward. “There’s a lot of holes to be played. I proved that last year.” Woods follows with a 68 on the South Course on Friday to enter the weekend T-22 and still six shots back, this time of Phil Mickelson, Shigeki Maruyama and Kirk Triplett. Mickelson then matches Woods’ Saturday 67 to remain six clear of the world No. 1 and follows by telling reporters, “For him to win, he’s going to have to shoot an extraordinary round. If I play well, I’m not going to worry about Tiger.” On cue, Woods rattles off five birdies in his first 13 holes on Sunday to pull even with Mickelson at 15 under. But Woods, who had gone 44 straight holes without a bogey, proceeds to drop shots on Nos. 14 and 16. Mickelson, meanwhile, plays his final seven holes in 3 under to beat Woods by four shots and end Woods’ quest for history.

Historical significance: Woods doesn’t win, but his $264,000 runner-up check does push him past Love for No. 1 on the PGA Tour’s all-time money list, a position he still hasn’t relinquished. Woods had earned $12,828,128 at that point, and he is now at $120,999,166, over $30 million ahead of current No. 2 Rory McIlroy.

Memorable quote: “First time I’ve been asked … in the last hour.” – Craig Stadler, when asked about Woods earlier in the week

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Insider Exposes 4 Challenges Tiger Woods Must Overcome for TGL’s Success

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

TGL which is the highly anticipated golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has been receiving its fair share of hate and criticism from golf enthusiasts and viewers. Despite its promising concept, which combines virtual golf with live competition, TGL has failed to impress many with some even calling it a disappointment. The lack of competitiveness in matches, with some teams dominating others by wide margins, has been a major turn-off for viewers. Furthermore, the virtual golf format which was meant to be a unique selling point has been panned by some for being too gimmicky and lacking the authenticity of traditional golf.

Recently, The Drop Zone crew weighed in on TGL’s shortcomings and highlighted four major areas where the league could use some improvement. So, let’s see what they are, shall we?

1. Kevin Kisner not suited for TGL

As the host of the Drop Zone podcast put it, Kevin Kisner’s performance in TGL has been underwhelming, to say the least. “Kevin Kisner not suited for a Bomber’s league,” he bluntly stated. “He was throwing up ball speeds in like the high one 50s, which is is just not, you know, when you’ve got to carry the carry the water on the spear or whatever that hole is, that’s not going to get it done.”

As the host elaborated, Kisner’s struggles are a concern for TGL, which demands big hits and high-energy gameplay. Kisner’s lowball speeds and inconsistent performance have made it difficult for him to compete, and his team has suffered as a result. Despite this, there was one moment that had everyone in stitches. During his match, Kisner attempted to get out of a sandtrap but ended up skulling the ball, which whacked the flagpost on its way out. The shock of the mistake and the noise it made caused everyone on the playing field to burst out laughing. Even Kisner himself couldn’t help but crack a joke, saying “All I gotta say is I got it out of the bunker, unlike my partner.” It was a lighthearted moment that showed even in the midst of a tough match, golfers can still have a sense of humor.

Lack of Competitive matches for 2 consecutive weeks

2025 Farmers Insurance Open: Round 1 and 2 Tee Times and Pairings Explored

The initial excitement and entertainment of TGL’s first round have given way to concerns about the league’s competitiveness. As the host noted, “Just the lack of competitive matches two weeks in, hopefully this is just a blip and it’s just, you know, two unlucky things combined with again, Kisner and, you know, maybe Tiger.” This lack of competitiveness was evident in the first round, with one team dominating the other, and the commentator pointed out that “His team was just not competitive, which brings me to my second issue.”

Furthermore, critics like Frankie Borrelli have argued that the format of TGL, with its emphasis on music, fake cheering, and booing, detracts from the competitive aspect of the game, making it feel more like a game show than a serious golf tournament. Borrelli suggested that the league needs to make the shots feel more meaningful, allowing the natural reactions of the crowd to shine through, rather than relying on manufactured noise and excitement. He believes that this would help to create a more authentic and competitive atmosphere, one that is more in line with traditional golf tournaments.

Tiger Woods

3. The simulator not working accurately

The second week of the TGL has been marred by technical issues, particularly with the simulator, which has left players and commentators questioning its accuracy. “The simulator, is the tech reliable enough? Is it accurately picking up spin rates on short shots?” one commentator wondered. Another issue arose when Tiger Woods hit a 100-yard wedge shot that sailed over 130 yards, prompting concerns about the simulator’s accuracy, especially with a “forward T that seemed like a potentially problematic” shot. The technical glitches have raised concerns about the league’s ability to deliver a fair and accurate competition. As Ron Green Jr. of GLOBAL GOLF POST noted, the league’s success will depend on its ability to make the game fun and engaging, but technical issues like these can’t be ignored.

4. Pros withdrawing from PGA Tour events

There’s a growing concern in the golf world as top players continue to withdraw from tournaments at an alarming rate. “Guys, finally challenge #4 is this odd thing where we’re starting to see guys withdraw from tournaments,” one observer noted. Xander Schauffele, for instance, played in an ATGL event and then withdrew from a couple of PGA Tour events, while Collin Morikawa pulled out of the Farmers Insurance Open. As one commentator put it, “I’m not saying these guys are injured because they were in the TGL. Just think that the schedule now comes pretty fast and furious.” However, it’s now been revealed that the reason behind these withdrawals isn’t fatigue or injury, but rather a change of venue for the Genesis Invitational. So, what are your thoughts on the problems faced by TGL? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Tiger Woods’ TGL debut, LIV’s big TV deal, teen phenom

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Tiger Woods 

Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we review Tiger Woods’ TGL debut, dissect LIV Golf’s new TV deal, predict who will have the best season on LIV, and review Blades Brown’s pro debut.

Tiger Woods made his TGL debut on Tuesday, as his Jupiter Links team lost to Los Angeles in the second edition of the new tech-infused league. What were your thoughts on Tiger the player and Tiger the entertainer?

James Colgan, news and features editor (@jamescolgan26): I thought Tiger proved why the TGL built its business around him. He is interesting enough for the world to pay attention no matter what he’s doing. That’s insanely valuable for golf in any form, including simulator golf.

Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): There’s no question people will keep tuning in to watch Tiger mash balls into a simulator screen. We only get to see him four or five times a year otherwise. But Tiger the entertainer needs some work. His best on-mic moments can’t be him crying laughing at Kevin Kisner’s hosel rocket, and saying his mom is booing him. The league needs more from him on that end to have long-term growth.

Alan Bastable, executive editor (@alan_bastable): Dream scenario was the little-walking-required sim league bringing out the best in Tiger. That did not happen. Instead, Woods looked ordinary at best…well, as ordinary as Tiger Woods can look, anyway. His speed seemed okay, but his iron play and short game left much to be desired. Tiger doubling over in laughter after Kiz’s bunker botch was fun if only because it showed us Tiger in a state in which we rarely see him. But goes without saying TGL will need more of Woods reacting to good shots than bad ones if this thing is going to take flight.

Two weeks ago, TGL’s long-awaited debut drew 919,000 average viewers on ESPN, and Tiger’s debut last week pushed that number to over a million. Now that viewers know what TGL is (and won’t see Tiger this week), what do you expect to see from the ratings? Can TGL continue to increase viewership? How much will we learn from this coming week’s numbers?

Colgan: The biggest questions for the TGL are still ahead of them. Will people continue to care when the novelty and Tiger factors are gone? The ratings are going to be lower, but by how much? I would say anything in the 700-800K range again this week would be a win.

Schrock: I agree, James. It wasn’t a shock that over a million people tuned in to watch the Cat walk out to “Eye of the Tiger” and goof around with Max Homa and Kevin Kisner. I expect they’ll be big numbers in two weeks when Tiger is back and faces Rory’s team. But how many people are going to watch Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Billy Horschel against Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick? If there’s no massive drop-off this week, then the TGL should feel good about its chances of building out some type of audience while working out the kinks.

Bastable: Hard to imagine a scenario in which this week’s numbers don’t take a hit, and not just because of Tiger’s absence. If you tuned in to the first two events, you witnessed two drama-starved blowouts and also puzzling looks from world-class players who watched seemingly well stuck wedge shots miss their marks by 10 or 15 yards. Both of those developments might give viewers pause about returning for a third straight week.

Speaking of TV viewership, LIV Golf will open the 2025 season with a long-awaited TV deal with Fox, one that ensures more than half of this season’s schedule will air live on Fox or FS1 with additional rounds available on other Fox properties. While it’s obvious that it should boost LIV viewership numbers, how much of an impact do you believe it will have in eyeballs and increased interest? A little, or a lot?

Colgan: I’d say this TV deal is Greg Norman’s legacy as LIV CEO. He convinced his pals, the Murdochs, to sign up for LIV, legitimizing the league’s TV audience for at least 2 years. But will this deal actually legitimize the league? I’m doubtful. I think most golf fans have made up their minds on LIV by now.

Schrock: Having LIV Miami air on FOX or FS1 instead of the CW and Caffeine TV is an obvious step up, but I don’t think that’s a reason to believe fans are now all of a sudden going to flock to watch LIV. After three seasons, the fans who like LIV and what it presents will watch, and everyone else will either tune into the PGA Tour or go out and play golf themselves. Having LIV air before the latest episode of “9-1-1 Lone Star” isn’t going to move the needle for most.

Bastable: Right, simply airing LIV events on network TV doesn’t solve for the league’s watchability problem. To most fans, it still will feel like so little is a stake in LIV events, because, other than wheelbarrows of cash, so little is at stake. This is all likely to change, of course — whatever PIF and the PGA Tour are cooking up is likely to give LIV contests more gravitas. And you have to figure Fox’s brass has some insight into whatever that plan might be.

Tyrrell Hatton held off Daniel Hillier to win the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday to pick up his second win in his last five starts, and he’s finished in the top 10 in all six of his starts since the 2024 LIV season ended. Is Hatton primed to have the best 2025 of any LIV Golf player? If not, who will?

Colgan: Jon Rahm! He’s officially due for a major. Also, if Bryson keeps his 2024 form, he’ll be a favorite in every major,

Schrock: I think Hatton is a sleeper major contender. He’s played well on LIV and now has won two DP World Tour events in his last handful of starts. But I think it’s going to be Rahm. He knows the narrative that’s out there after his subpar major season last year, and I think he’ll come back in a big way this year. I’d go Rahm, Bryson and then Hatton. But don’t be surprised if Hatton contends and wins at either Quail Hollow or Oakmont.

Bastable: It’s Bryson’s world (and YouTube channel); we’re all just living in it. He has another major win in him this year, and maybe a couple. LIV should be drafting off BDC in as many ways as it can.

Seventeen-year-old Blades Brown made his professional debut at The American Express, missing the cut but impressing with a second-round 64 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. What were your thoughts on the young phenom’s play?

Colgan: Perhaps this is redundant, but he looks so young. It reminds you he’s still many, many years from his athletic peak, and yet he’s chasing down cutlines in his PGA Tour debut. There’s a bright future ahead.

Schrock: I was just as impressed by his mental maturity and perspective as I was by his game. I think he proved he made the right decision in turning pro at 17. There’s a green arrow pointing straight up for Blades Brown.

Bastable: There was a time, not all that long ago, when we couldn’t get over how well prepared college-aged players were for the PGA Tour; now we’re saying the same thing about high-school-aged players. Kids these days! Also, Blades Brown. What a name. He was destined for big things.

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Tiger Woods pledges support amid ‘unimaginable loss’ of LA fires

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Tiger Woods 

Golf superstar Tiger Woods has pledged support for communities devastated by the wildfires that have killed at least 24 people and changed the face of Los Angeles over the past week.

The 15-time major champion, who was born in Cypress, California, 25 miles south of Los Angeles, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he would soon give details of his foundation’s charitable efforts to help the affected communities.

“The devastation that is ongoing with the LA fires is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits home,” Woods said. “My heart is with those who have suffered unimaginable loss.

“Thank you to the incredible heroes that are the first responders helping to contain and save the community of Los Angeles.”

Firefighters still battling to contain the massive Palisades and Eaton fires were bracing for possible flare ups or new blazes as forecasters predicted “particularly dangerous” Santa Ana winds on Tuesday.

Flames that razed the Pacific Palisades came uncomfortably close to The Riviera Country Club, which is slated to host the 2028 Olympic golf tournament.

In 1992, the Los Angeles Open at Riviera was the site of a teenaged Woods’s first PGA Tour event. Although he has never won there, Woods hosts the Genesis Invitational at the historic course, which this year is scheduled for February 13-16.

US media reported that the PGA Tur had sent a memo to players last week saying it is monitoring the fires, but it was premature to discuss the impact on the tournament.

Tiger Woods

“Although the Riviera Country Club has not been directly affected by the fires, our immediate concern is the health and welfare of those in the affected communities, including all our members who have ties to Southern California,” the Tour said.

The tournament announced on Monday that it had joined in apparel manufacturer Fanatics’ fund-raising sale of apparel, with fans able to purchase Fanatics’ “LA Strong” shirts with the Genesis Invitational logo.

The shirts can be purchased online with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

US golfer Sahith Theegala, who was born in suburban Orange, California, has also pledged to donate to relief efforts. After saying he would donate $100 per birdie and $250 per eagle at the Sony

Open that concluded in Hawaii on Sunday Theegala said he would continue that effort through the upcoming weeks.

“Any little bit helps during this devastating time,” Theegala said.

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How to watch Tiger Woods’ TGL debut Tuesday: TV coverage, streaming, teams

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Tiger Woods

The second TGL match, and the first featuring league founder Tiger Woods, begins on Tuesday night at the Sofi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Here’s everything you need to know to watch Tiger’s first TGL match, including full TGL TV coverage, streaming info, teams and more.

Previewing Tiger’s first TGL match

Last week the TGL indoor golf league got off to a successful start with Ludvig Aberg’s Bay Golf Club dominating Xander Schauffele’s New York Golf Club to win the inaugural match.

While Tiger Woods, who founded the league with Rory McIlroy, was in attendance for the debut, he did not partake in the competition. That changes this week when Tiger and his Jupiter Links Golf Club team take on the Los Angeles Golf Club Tuesday night.

In addition to Tiger, the Jupiter Links team will be represented by Max Homa and Kevin Kisner. LAGC will be repped by Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala.

As with last week, the format for the second match will see the teams compete on a nine-hole simulator course in triples, and then in one-hole singles matches. While the simulator will be used for most shots, short game shots will happen live within the stadium.

Tiger Woods

ESPN will provide exclusive TV coverage of Tiger’s first TGL match beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, while ESPN+ will provide streaming coverage online.

You can find complete information about streaming and TV options for Tiger’s debut TGL match below.

How to watch Tiger Woods’ TGL match on TV

ESPN will provide exclusive TV coverage of Tiger’s first TGL match from 7-9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

How to watch Tiger Woods’ TGL match online, streaming

You can watch Tiger’s first TGL match online via ESPN+, which will provide a live simulcast of ESPN’s coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

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Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy’s indoor golf league tees off with bang

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Tiger Woods 

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s long-anticipated indoor golf league, TGL, made its electrifying debut Tuesday night with a fast-paced 15-hole match that lived up to the hype.

The opening round saw Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Xander Schauffele from the New York Golf Club face off against Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark, and Ludvig Aberg from The Bay Golf Club.

It took just under two hours to complete, exactly as envisioned, with The Bay emerging victorious, 9-2.

Aberg made history by recording the first birdie in TGL history, and Lowry, never one to shy away from a bit of banter, couldn’t resist teasing Clark. “The last time I had that much fun was probably last September,” he quipped, referring to the European Ryder Cup win over the U.S. team, which included Clark.

Trash talk was a running theme throughout the match. As Lowry said, “Look, I had an amazing two hours.” And with the speed of the event, it was clear: TGL was built to be fast, fun, and full of energy.

The first shot was struck at 9:15 p.m., and just four minutes later, Aberg sank a 9-footer for the opening point. The action was swift, the stakes high, and the atmosphere electric.

“This was just a dream conjured up,” Woods reflected on the ESPN broadcast. “Rory and I talked about it, and it’s hard to believe we’ve taken golf to another stratosphere.”

Woods and McIlroy, along with DJ Khaled, who was seen interacting with players and even demonstrating his swing, were present to witness the debut.

The venue, a 250,000-square-foot facility at Palm Beach State College, featured high-tech innovations, including sand from Augusta National in the bunkers and a data-driven system tracking every shot.

“It’s like a glorified man cave,” said Fowler, capturing the essence of the experience. With microphones on the players, fans surrounding the course, and music blaring throughout, it was a spectacle in every sense.

The short-game complex was especially intriguing, with its 41-yard-wide turntable green and over 600 devices beneath it to alter the contours.

Tiger Woods

Players found it tricky to make putts on this dynamic surface, adding to the challenge and excitement.

There was no shortage of laughs. Lowry delivered a series of one-liners, like calling himself “the Scottie Scheffler of indoor golf” and jokingly describing his shot as “a bit chunky.”

Schauffele, however, wasn’t immune to the occasional booing, which followed a misplayed chip shot. “I probably would have booed me too,” he remarked.

The match ended with a 729-yard par-5 that was more reachable than it sounds, followed by handshakes and cheers all around. Lowry gave a hearty wave to the crowd, marking a successful debut.

“I had so much fun,” said Aberg, capturing the sentiment of everyone involved. Even Woods couldn’t hide his excitement when fans cheered as Clark prepared to line up a putt. “You don’t normally hear that at events,” Woods said. “You’re going to hear that here.”

Looking ahead, Woods will take the stage for his Jupiter Links club on January 14, with McIlroy’s debut potentially coming on January 27 when Boston Common faces Jupiter Links. The regular season will run until March 4, with 24 players across six teams. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in a best-of-three championship series just before the Masters.

While TGL may not be traditional golf, Woods emphasized, “It is golf, and that’s the main thing.” As Fowler pointed out, the real test will be how it’s received by television audiences. “If it does well there, the sky’s the limit,” he said. “This is just the start.”

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New Golf League Founded by Stanford Great Tiger Woods Begins Inaugural Season

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Tiger Woods

Golf is officially becoming a revolutionary experience. Tuesday evening marked a big and historic night for the sport, as the first match of the brand new TGL golf league took place between The Bay Golf Club and New York Golf Club. Founded by Stanford legend and world-famous golfer Tiger Woods, the inaugural event marked an important step in the world of golf.

The league, which Woods co-founded with PGA star Rory McIlroy and business partner Mike McCarley, represents a new way for fans to enjoy the sport. Combining real golf with indoor simulators and featuring many prominent professional golfers, each event is held on weeknights in head-to-head match style with each team playing five regular season matches before a playoff tournament is held.

Typically in golf, PGA and sometimes LIV golfers play in tournaments that feature a giant field, where each golfer plays to make the cut and climb the leaderboard. But when it comes to TGL, golfers are put on teams, with six total teams fielding four players each.

In addition to New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club, other teams include Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Jupiter Links Golf Club and Los Angeles Golf Club. Golfers that will feature in the league include Woods, McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, among others.

In the first match of the new league, The Bay Golf Club took home the 9-2 win in what was a 15-hole match. Each hole won is traditionally worth one point, but opportunities arise in which a team may score two or three points on any given hole.

If a hole is tied, no points are awarded while overtime is allowed if tied after 15 holes. However, with strong matches from The Bay’s Shane Lowry and Ludvig Aberg, who both recorded birdies early on to set the tone, they were able to pull away and win the first match.

Tiger Woods 

As for where the matches are played, each event this season will be held at SoFi Center, an indoor facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida that was built specifically for this league.

Originally expected to begin in January of 2024, a power failure caused by a storm resulted in some damage to the facility which forced the league to delay competition for a full year.

But now with the league up and running, anticipation has been mounting. Once the first matchday finally came, all the action was shown live on ESPN, with SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt providing pre-match coverage.

During the match, commentary is varied, with Matt Barrie calling the action from the facility as well as each player and caddie being mic’d up, allowing them to provide comments in-game to make it feel more authentic.

The concept is definitely an interesting one, and with a successful first night that saw successful ratings, it will be intriguing to see how the rest of the season goes and how much of Tiger Woods’ influence will rub off on the rest of the golf world.

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Insider Accuses Scottie Scheffler of Hurting Own Legacy With Tiger Woods Snub: ‘Missed Out’

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Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods

TGL’s opening round was a bang and even that feels like an understatement. I mean everything was just perfection, they delivered what they promised — excitement, competition, and more excitement. And don’t even get me started on Ludvig Aberg’s charm throughout the night. However, there were many big names that were not present, and well, many believe they might be regretting their decision and you know why.

In the latest episode of The Smylie Kaufman Show on YouTube, an interesting discussion emerged about the golfers who aren’t part of Tiger Woods’s TGL. Specifically, the number one player in the world, Scottie Scheffler, was highlighted as someone who’s missing out on a huge opportunity. “Let’s talk about the guys who aren’t on a TGL team,” Kaufman noted. By not joining TGL, Scheffler is essentially passing up a chance to further cement his legacy and grow his fan base. “Scotty, um, obviously decided not to play and not be on a team,” the insider pointed out.

“I think that there are probably a lot of guys who watched the first three holes tonight and were like, ‘Dang, I missed out”, he continued. According to the show’s insiders, Scheffler’s absence from TGL is a significant miss, not just for the exposure but also because of his incredibly likable personality. “So many people speak so highly of you, talking about how much fun you are… in the team room or in the locker room,” Kaufman said. As the number one player in the world, Scheffler is already well-respected, but being part of TGL would have given him a platform to rise more, and well it really was a surprise considering his competitive personality. “It’s like, okay, some guys might draw a bigger audience now for having some TGL exposure,” said Kaufman.

Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler

But here’s the thing, as surprising as Scheffler’s decision was to opt out from TGL, he wasn’t the only one to do so.

Scottie Scheffler isn’t the only big name who was missing from the TGL lineup. Several other notable golfers have opted out of the competition, each with their own reasons. Viktor Hovland, for instance, has turned down the TGL opportunity despite residing in Florida. Jordan Spieth, another highly entertaining golfer, has also declined the chance to compete, likely due to his roots in Dallas. Tony Finau, who has been linked to LIV in the past, has chosen to prioritize his family commitments in Arizona. Jason Day, a former world No. 1, is focusing on family time in Ohio, and Robert MacIntyre will split his time between Orlando and Scotland.

The list of absentees doesn’t stop there. Even the 2023 Open champion, Brian Harman, wasn’t seen teeing off in the TGL arena. It’s interesting to note that some of these golfers, like MacIntyre, might have been a great fit for the TGL concept, given their recent performances. Nonetheless, their absence will undoubtedly be felt in the competition. Fans will have to wait and see how the TGL lineup shapes up without these big names, but one thing’s for sure, it’ll be a different tournament without them.

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Tiger Woods makes TGL debut Tuesday: Teams, schedule

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Tiger Woods makes TGL debut Tuesday: Teams, schedule, results from new golf league

Golf’s newest venture, TGL, is here and has brought the thrills expected from the futuristic league spearheaded by golfing legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

TGL debuted Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with The Bay Golf Club, made up of Shawn Lowry, Wyndham Clark, and Ludvig Åberg, securing the league’s first victory. They defeated the New York Golf Club of Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Xander Schauffele, with a score of 9-2.

TGL is played at the state-of-the-art SoFi Center at Palm Beach State College, which spans 250,000 square feet. The facility includes video screens, real grass and bunkers filled with sand from Augusta National Golf Club. Fans have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with PGA Tour professionals, who wear microphones during play and offer unique insights into their strategies and emotions.

During the ESPN broadcast, Woods shared, “This was just a dream we conjured up. Rory and I were discussing it, and it’s hard to believe that this dream became a reality. We’ve really been able to elevate golf to another level, and we’re just getting started.”

All eyes will be on Woods as he plays his first match with his team, the Jupiter Links, on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

When does Tiger Woods play in the TGL?

Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming match on Tuesday, Jan. 14, when they will get to see Woods make his debut with the Jupiter Links Club. This team also includes Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner. In addition to playing, Woods’ TGR Ventures is also a co-owner of the team along with David Blitzer.

Woods and the Jupiter Links Club face the Los Angeles Golf Club, featuring golfers. Tommy Fleetwood, Sahith Theegala, Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose. The LAGC is owned by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams, Venus Williams; and limited partners Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, Alex Morgan, Servando Carrasco, Michelle Wie West, Tisha Alyn.

How to watch the TGL

If you’re excited to follow the TGL action, you’re in luck because every match will be easily accessible. Whether you prefer watching on a big screen or streaming from your device, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ have you covered.

Tiger Woods

TGL matches can also be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

What teams and players make up the TGL?

Here are the six teams and their players competing in the first season of TGL:

Atlanta Drive GC

  • Patrick Cantlay
  • Lucas Glover
  • Billy Horschel
  • Justin Thomas

Boston Common Golf

  • Keegan Bradley
  • Hideki Matsuyama
  • Rory McIlroy
  • Adam Scott

The Bay Golf Club

  • Ludvig Åberg
  • Wyndham Clark
  • Shane Lowry
  • Min Woo Lee

Jupiter Links Golf Club

  • Max Homa
  • Tom Kim
  • Kevin Kisner
  • Tiger Woods

Los Angeles Golf Club

  • Tommy Fleetwood
  • Collin Morikawa
  • Justin Rose
  • Sahith Theegala
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Tiger Woods’ golf league starts tonight. Here are answers to 17 major questions

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Tiger Woods 

fter a year’s delay—and a lot of hype—the time has come. TGL is finally set to launch. In advance of its live televised debut tonight, here’s what you need to know about the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-backed indoor golf league.

An indoor golf league, eh. So, it’s simulator golf?

Partly. The competition will be a hybrid of virtual and real, with players hitting full shots into a 3,392-square-foot screen, some 20 times the size of a standard simulator. But shorter shots will be a different story. From 50 yards and in, players will turn 180 degree and take aim at a large, synthetic-turf green.

Like a backyard short-game facility?

Far more sophisticated. The green is set on an hydraulic system that allows it to rotate and morph in its topography, so approach angles and breaks will vary from hole to hole. As for those approaches, players will hit them off one of three surfaces: real fairway-length grass; rough-length grass, or actual sand, the same kind as at Augusta National, depending on where their simulated drives wind up.

Who are the players?

The league is made up of six 4-player teams of PGA Tour pros. As you’ll see below, there are big names in the mix, and big money behind them.

Atlanta Drive GC: Patrick Cantlay, Lucas Glover, Bily Horschel, Justin Thomas. Ownership: Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank

Boston Common Golf: Keegan Bradley, Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott. Ownership: Fenway Sports Group, whose holdings include the Boston Red Sox and the Liverpool soccer club.

Jupiter Links: Max Homa, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner, Tiger Woods. Ownership: Woods’ TGR Ventures.

Los Angeles GC: Tommy Fleetwood, Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala. Ownership: Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams and limited partners including Michelle Wie West and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

New York GC: Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young. Ownership: New York Mets owner Steve Cohen

Tiger Woods

The Bay GC: Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry. Ownership: Steph Curry and Avenue Sports Fund, with limited partners including Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson.

What’s the format?

Each match will feature two teams of three playing across two sessions. Holes 1-9 will be played as “triples,” with the three teammates on each squad playing alternate shot. Holes 10-15 will be played individual match play, with each player from each team playing a total of two full holes. Each hole is worth a point, but—and maybe you recognize this feature from your own matches with friends—teams will have the option of throwing down a “Hammer,” which doubles the value of the hole. If slow play drives you crazy, some good news: there will be a 40-second shot clock. In the tradition of other non-traditional professional golf events, the players will be mic’d up

What if there’s a tie?

They settle matters with a 3-on-3 closest to the pin contest on a par 3.

What, exactly, is Tiger’s involvement in all of this?

Like McIlroy, he’s a co-founder and co-owner of TGL, with sports executive Mike McCarley, in partnership with the PGA Tour. As you may have noticed above, Woods and McIlroy have skin in the game in another sense: they are also competitors in the league.

Cool. So we get to see Tiger tonight?

He’s expected to be on hand, but he’s not competing. Tonight’s match pits New York Golf Club against Bay Golf Club. Woods’ team, Jupiter Golf Club, will play its first match next week against Los Angeles Golf Club. The TGL season is 15 weeks, and each team will compete five times.

What are they playing for?

Here’s a shocker: money. The reported season prize fund is $21 million, to be paid out at the end of the season, with $9 million going to the winning team.

It feels like we’ve been hearing about TGL forever. What has taken so long?

The league was originally scheduled to launch last January, but a power outage in the fall of 2023 caused the domed roof of the league’s custom-built stadium to collapse. As a consequence, the launch was postponed by a year.

Tell me more about that stadium.

It’s called the SoFi Center. It’s on the campus of Palm Beach State College. And it seats 1,500 people. It’s about a 30-minute from Jupiter, where many of the players live, so an easy commute for many of the competitors.

How can I watch the match tonight?

It will air live at 9 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN+.

Who are the broadcasters?

The lead team is a seasoned trio. Scott Van Pelt will be the host, with Matt Barrie calling play-by-play and Marty Marty Smith as ‘on course’ reporter. There is also a digital team, co-hosted by Jahmai Webster and (Golf.com’s own) Claire Rogers. Prominent golf influencer Roger Steele will serve as in-venue MC, and DJ Irie (yep, there’s a DJ) mixing beats. Former longtime NBA referee Derrick Stafford will ref the action (there’s a shot clock, after all), and the PGA Tour’s Mark Russell still serve as rules official.

Anyone who’s hit balls on a simulator knows that the technology sometimes glitches and doesn’t pick up a shot, or registers the shot inaccurately. What will they do if that happens?

That’s one of the risks of doing this live, but TGL has a safety net in place. According to language in league’s rulebook, both the referee and booth official will have the power to step in to preserve the integrity of the match. They can declare an ‘an inaccurate computation’ and call for a re-hit. Same goes if a shot is not captured at all.

Tiger Woods

Can I bet on TGL matches?

Seems like you can bet on almost anything these days, and TGL is no exception, provided you’re in an area where sports betting is legal. In tonight’s match, New York Golf Club is the betting favorite, at -135 (meaning you’d have to risk $135 to win a $100; note that lines can vary from one betting site to the next).

While we have you, what does TGL stand for anyway?

Though some folks have taken to calling it Tomorrow’s Golf League, the people behind it say that’s not right. The official name of TGL is just that: TGL.

Hmm. Okay. But since you mentioned ‘Tomorrow,’ do you think there’s anything to that? Does this concept reflect where the game is headed?

That’s one of the $64,000 questions. It’s no secret that professional golf has long been trying to expand beyond its traditional audience. That effort feels more urgent than ever at time when everyone in the pro ranks seems to be demanding more money, even as the PGA Tour-LIV divide drags on and TV ratings drop. On the one hand, TGL appears to meet all the demands of the modern sports entertainment age: it’s a novel, fast-paced, live-televised concept with big names in the mix — and big money — behind it. Also, you can bet on it. Whether all those elements will come together into a winning formula remains to be seen.

Will you be watching?

For sure. We’re curious. Plus, by 9 p.m. EST, it will be too late to play at our local course.

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