TGL (New PGA Digital League)

[WuDrWu]

First I heard of it today.

Sounds cool as hell.

https://www.tglgolf.com/explained

Right now it's a 6 team league. Matches will last 2 hours (shot clock will be employed). Teams of 4 players. Hit into a digital screen until you get to the green, then they play on a live surface. Arena of fans, tickets seem to start at $160 and there aren't many tickets left (I suspect every match will be sold out). Players are mike'd up.

Love the HAMMER. It's like a press and possession changes with each use. Maybe I'm way off, but I'm thinking this will be a huge hit.

4 of the 6 teams will make the playoffs in March.


The website probably needs an upgrade or else they're just being overwhelmed with the halftime traffic from the NFL game because it's slow as hell.


Just about anyone you want to see that's on the PGA Tour (not LIV) is involved.

[Kung Wu]

This could be cool. A new e-sport/irl-sport mashup!

[Kung Wu]

First I heard of it today.

Sounds cool as hell.

https://www.tglgolf.com/explained

Right now it's a 6 team league. Matches will last 2 hours (shot clock will be employed). Teams of 4 players. Hit into a digital screen until you get to the green, then they play on a live surface. Arena of fans, tickets seem to start at $160 and there aren't many tickets left (I suspect every match will be sold out). Players are mike'd up.

Love the HAMMER. It's like a press and possession changes with each use. Maybe I'm way off, but I'm thinking this will be a huge hit.

4 of the 6 teams will make the playoffs in March.


The website probably needs an upgrade or else they're just being overwhelmed with the halftime traffic from the NFL game because it's slow as hell.


Just about anyone you want to see that's on the PGA Tour (not LIV) is involved.

Is this going to get ESPN air time?

[WuDrWu]

Is this going to get ESPN air time?

Yes, every match is on ESPN or ESPN 2. Also on the plus if needed.

[Kung Wu]

Yes, every match is on ESPN or ESPN 2. Also on the plus if needed.

I'll watch for it!

[SubGod22]

I couldn't watch regular golf. Not sure why I'd want to watch digital golf

[ShockBand]

I couldn't watch regular golf. Not sure why I'd want to watch digital golf

For something else to bet on maybe? I won't be surprised if one of the online sports books is a major sponsor.

[WuDrWu]

The inagural match is tonight, 8ET 7CT on the Flagship (Flagship=ESPN....the Mothership is ABC and of course the Deuce is ESPN2).


Lineup:

https://www.tglgolf.com/match/2025/1

Not exactly starting off with the A teams. I might have had Tiger team matching up against Rory's but c'est la vie.

[Kung Wu]

I couldn't watch regular golf. Not sure why I'd want to watch digital golf

I think this format may be much more entertaining to those who do not like golf. It will be very different.

[Kel Varnsen]

Who tuned in last night? I thought it was...fine?

From a golf perspective, it would be weird. Physical feedback is a big part of any sport, and you don't really get that with a golf simulator, even if it's the biggest one the world's ever seen. Approach shots are the piece that would be weirdest to me.

From a fan perspective, I wasn't wild about it. I like watching golf because it's pretty laid back, and I can do it at work or get a nap in on Saturday or Sunday. You also see the beauty of the course itself and you don't get that at all with TGL.

I've never been crazy about the team aspect in golf when it's not the Ryder Cup or President's Cup. Seems too manufactured for a sport that's fundamentally based on individuals

Overall, too much of a hybrid between real golf and E-Sports to me. The player intros were weird to me. But I still may tune in, so maybe they have me there.

Side note, but this focus on finding new revenue streams for every single professional sports league feels exhausting as a fan.

Another side note, Ludvig Aberg is going to be a thorn in the side of US Ryder Cup teams for the next few competitions.

[WuDrWu]

I think I was a little over excited about it. I'm not sure I needed DJ Khaled doing the intros...I like DJ just fine, it just seemed a little out of place, but I also get the trying to bring new fans into the fold. Some I liked, some not so much.

I'll keep tuning in. I think everyone (players, staff, fans alike) will eventually find a sweet spot, unless it's just a game for the players. I don't expect it to be Ryder Cup level intensity, but it should be a little more competitive than my family game of Pass the Pigs.

Incomplete grade after the opening night.