Few would have imagined ahead of TGL’s debut season that Kevin Kisner would prove to be one of the league’s biggest stars.
There was a reason Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both made their debut in week two of TGL. It appeared to be an acknowledgment that the league may need to give viewers more encouragement to tune in with many likely to watch the opening game out of intrigue, regardless of what they thought of the format.
However, as the playoffs loom, there appears to be a real chance that neither Woods or McIlroy make the semi-finals, with both Jupiter Links and Boston Common outside the top four.
Obviously, not having Woods involved would be a blow. But perhaps it is the absence of two of his teammates which would hurt the league more, with both Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner proving to be revelations.
Kevin Kisner shares what many PGA Tour players are asking him about TGL
Kisner, in particular, has stolen the show – and not always for the right reasons. He thinned a bunker shot in his opening game which thankfully smashed into the flag rather than flew across the SoFi Center. Meanwhile, he basically hit a shank in Jupiter’s latest game.
His reaction to Tiger Woods misunderstanding the distance he had last week was also priceless.
And it appears that those on the PGA Tour are taking a keen interest in the league. Speaking after Tuesday’s game, Kisner shared how many are wanting to speak to him about it.
“My experience is every player I see asks me about it. First question is what do you think about TGL or some shot or asks about the green or the bunkers or whatever. They want to know, so they’re obviously intrigued and watching, which is great for the sport,” he said.
“If we’re going to expand and continue to grow this and continue to add players, then you want the hype and you want guys to feel like they’re missing out. I think we’re achieving that.”
TGL questions seem a positive sign given what else Kevin Kisner has coming up in 2025
TGL appears to be finding its place in the golfing landscape. Clearly, it is not going to be for everyone, in the same way that fans are divided between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf right now.
But there have been several signs which suggest that the league has got a bright future. The fact that Woods and McIlroy missing the playoffs is nothing like the disaster that it would have appeared to have been before the league started is certainly one positive.
The players involved have bought into the format and run with it, with Kisner one of those TGL would seriously miss if he did not feature next year.
Kisner has got plenty on his plate in 2025. He has also been named as a vice-captain for the Ryder Cup. So it says a lot that TGL is dominating conversations rather than Bethpage given how much excitement there is for September.
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