In just a few weeks, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s tech-enhanced golf league will debut, and the organization has disclosed that it will take a very hard stance against slow play.
Radical new rules have been put in place for the inaugural tournament of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new golf league, making it clear that slow play will not be tolerated.
Twenty-four of the top golfers in the world will be divided into six teams for the weekly, made-for-TV tournaments that take place on January 9 and culminate in a playoff bracket and championship match. The SoFi Center, a specially designed venue in Palm Beach, Florida, will host the events. It features a “Green Zone” with a dynamic putting surface that changes to resemble a green’s typography, as well as simulators.
The PGA Tour-sponsored series is the creation of Woods, McIlroy, and TMRW Sports. Together, they have come up with a set of regulations that may help shape the game’s future as it strives to become a better and more modernized television show. A referee will oversee the matches, and TGL players will be subject to a 40-second shot clock.
There will be a four-timeout limit per game for each team, and a one-stroke penalty for shot-clock infractions. The regulations serve as a clear warning to players that behavior such as TGL commit Patrick Cantlay’s sluggish play at The Masters in April, which drew ire from Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm, will not be tolerated in TGL.
A strategic element is added to games with the introduction of timeouts. Timeouts may be called by either team until a player is stood over their shot, so teams could potentially use them to disrupt a field goal kicker’s routine and apply a strategy akin to that of NFL coaches trying to “ice” a player.
According to a TGL statement, the referee and booth official have distinct roles in this team sport. The ref will monitor the action, much like in football and basketball. The PGA Tour’s customary rules of golf as well as any inherent local regulations required for the league’s particular competition format, venue, and technology will serve as the foundation for TGL’s regulations.
“Our referee has knowledge of shot clocks, timeouts, and team sports dynamics. They will be enforcing TGL’s regulations and special circumstances while on the course at SoFi Center. A booth official who is knowledgeable about golf rules will also be keeping an eye on things.”
TGL has announced five of the six teams that will take part, with squads representing Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Boston Common Golf – owned by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group – was the first team to unveil its roster, with McIlroy, Tyrell Hatton, Adam Scott and hometown hero Keegan Bradley representing the city.
Atlanta Drive has announced it will be led by two-time major champion Justin Thomas, while Collin Morikawa will play for Los Angeles Golf Club. Other players yet to be assigned to a team include Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood.
Rahm, however, will not be involved. The Spaniard had signed up to take part but, being based in Arizona, it appears the commitment to fly to Florida each week while juggling the PGA Tour schedule is to difficult to fulfil. Likewise, Texas natives Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth and Oklahoma-based Viktor Hovland have not joined the league due to the logistical challenges.
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