The inaugural TGL season is just a matter of weeks away, and anticipation is building ahead of the innovative indoor golf league.
The first fixture will take place on January 7, before Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links GC will play in week two. With the countdown now very much on, several PGA Tour players have ventured down to Palm Beach to check out of the SoFi Centre. Billy Horschel was blown away by the arena, and Rickie Fowler was also impressed.
One unique aspect of the TGL centres around the virtual courses, which are unlike anything seen on the PGA Tour. And it’s fair to say golf fans are impressed by a par-five called ‘The Spear’.
Golf fans react as TGL hole footage emerges
‘The Spear’ is a 605-yard par-5 that presents players with a risk-reward decision. At 300 yards, a pinch point occurs in the fairway, bringing the water hazard into play.
Some fans have admitted they like the hole after initially being somewhat sceptical about the TGL as a whole.
Rick Golf’s wrote: “TGL is going WILD with their golf hole designs! I’m ALL FOR IT! With the benefit of a digital canvas, why not take advantage and do some bold things? Would you rather see this or Pebble Beach on a screen? I’d rather see this!”
Levi Spires added: “Ok. At first, I wasn’t too excited about TGL. But this is cool.”
While Tron Carter said: “HELL YES.” Extra Stiff Golf added: “Not sure bout the TGL in general, but this looks fun.”
Finally, Paul Hodowanic wrote: “TGL hole design is getting nuts, and I’m very here for it.”
- READ MORE: Justin Rose posts hilarious six word message after hitting shot at TGL arena for the first time
Will the TGL be a success?
Right now, the intrigue surrounding TGL will initially generate impressive viewing figures. The challenge for organisers is to keep the competition entertaining as the weeks pass.
There are only so many times fans will want to watch a ball being hit into a giant simulator before it becomes pretty mundane.
Another issue that could emerge concerns the PGA Tour schedule. If some players are enjoying a week off, heading to Florida won’t be an issue. However, if TGL fixtures fall on a Tuesday before a tournament, the league could prove to be a hindrance.
It’s an issue Tom Kim recently highlighted at Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge. “It is kind of difficult because a lot of it is on the Monday and Tuesdays of our normal tournaments,” said Kim. “If it’s not the weeks that we’re playing, it’s really easy, but some of the events where it might be an elevated event, you have to go all the way to Florida to play, it is difficult, it’s not easy.”
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