TGL was set to officially launch in January, but damage to the innovative league’s home, the SoFi Center, is set to cause a lengthy delay in a huge blow for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s innovative golf circuit TGL has announced that the league’s launch will be delayed by one year, following damage to the setup’s stadium in Palm Beach.
TGL was set to officially launch on January 9, but the stadium-based league have now confirmed that the circuit’s maiden event will not take place until 2025. A statement read: “Overnight on Tuesday, November 14, a failure of the temporary power system and backup systems used during construction caused the dome to deflate, which caused damage to the air-supported dome section of the site.
“There were no injuries, and most of the technology was not impacted. Following discussions with key partners, including players, our six team ownership groups, PGA TOUR leadership and our commercial partners, SoFi, ESPN and Palm Beach State College, the decision has been made to postpone the start of the TGL season until early 2025.
“After considering temporary fixes, possible construction schedules, player schedules, and the schedule for primetime sports television, this decision was made. We are enthusiastic about TGL’s future and will keep generating excitement among our players, fans, and teams in the lead-up to the season opener, even with this revised schedule for the venue.”
For everyone associated with TGL, especially co-founders Woods and McIlroy, the delay is a severe setback. Following the setback, McIlroy himself issued a statement in which he acknowledged that, although the delay was not ideal, he was still looking forward to 2025.
McIlroy stated, “The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement.” Above all, we’re relieved that nobody was hurt. Our excitement for TGL’s launch is growing. Even though the delay is disappointing given the circumstances, it will give us time to gather ourselves, refocus, and come back stronger.
Woods expressed a similar opinion when he said, “I’ve always believed in TGL, and as the momentum has grown over the past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for gamers everywhere.” Even though last week’s events will require us to modify our schedules, I have every confidence that our fantastic, dedicated players will make this idea a reality.
The innovative circuit had released a plethora of updates leading up to their original planned launch date, prior to the stadium malfunction. TGL revealed its format and regulations for its inaugural season late last month. Using “Modern Match Day,” 24 players from six teams will compete over the course of a 15-week season. Many players, including McIlroy, were assigned to one of the six rosters in the days that followed.
The four-time major champion was paired with Ryder Cup partner Tyrrell Hatton on Boston Common, along with PGA Tour players Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley. Woods, the team’s co-founder, was also revealed as the inaugural player-owner of Jupiter Links GC. The 47-year-old is based in Florida.
Even though 24 players were confirmed, Jon Rahm, the Masters champion, decided to withdraw from the league just two months before it launched, dealing TGL a severe blow to their roster earlier this month. “I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season,” Rahm wrote on X, announcing his decision.
“Although I still believe it’s a fantastic opportunity, I am unable to commit to it at this time. Wishing all participants luck and may the winning team be the best!” Given their extended wait, Woods and McIlroy’s setup will have more time to select a 24th player even though they haven’t yet announced a replacement.
The SoFi Center, which has 1,600 seats, is where the action is expected to happen. Competitors aim their shots at a screen that measures 64 feet high by 46 feet wide, which is about 20 times bigger than a standard golf simulator.
Players will hit off grass tee boxes, fairway area, rough, and a sand-filled trap for bunker shots even though they are not near the golf courses. The competitors will then use the “Green Zone,” an indoor green area, to hit chip shots and putts in their short game.
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