Rory McIlroy says what the TGL is ‘certainly not trying’ to achieve after watching the first two matches at the SoFi Centre

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After two TGL matches, opinions are divided on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s technology-driven venture.

The early stages of The Bay Golf Club’s match against New York Golf Club were unlike anything seen in professional golf. Fast-paced action involving the world’s best players; there was a lot to like.

But, as Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg and Wyndham Clark cruised into an unassailable lead, it was clear the opening match was more of an exhibition.

A similar story repeated itself during Jupiter Links Golf Club’s 12-1 loss to Los Angeles Golf Club. The match was over before the singles section began. Fans want to watch a competitive fixture, and the TGL now needs two of its teams to take a game to the wire.

Despite the teething problems, the TGL has proven popular with viewers, and as issues are ironed out, a regular audience could tune in.

Rory McIlroy drops verdict on TGL

As one of the brains behind the indoor league, Rory McIlroy‘s view on the TGL holds plenty of weight.

Speaking at this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Northern Irishman reassured traditionalists that the TGL isn’t trying to replace tournament golf.

“It’s to try and engage a younger demographic into the game. We are certainly not trying to replace tournament golf,” McIlroy explained.

“This is hopefully going to be complimentary to what we do week in and week out, and if we can get some more younger people into the game of golf and condense it into a bitesize version they can enjoy and relate to in another way, that’s what we are trying to do here. We understand it’s very different to anything that’s been done before and we understand it’s not going to be for everyone. If you’re a traditionalist of the game, it’s probably not for you.”

The Northern Irishman also accepted that a competitive match is required in the coming weeks.

“The players have had a lot of fun, and I think the TV audiences are starting to grasp the format,” McIlroy added. “We are still waiting for a match that’s really competitive and hopefully that happens next week.”

• READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy has done to fix his short game as he makes club change for the 2025 season

When is Rory McIlroy playing in the TGL?

Once the Dubai Desert Classic concludes at Emirates Golf Club, McIlroy will head back to Florida in preparation for his first TGL match on January 27.

The Northern Irishman’s Boston Common Golf Club are playing Woods’ Jupiter Links in what is arguably the highest-profile fixture of the league season. McIlroy will return to the SoFi Centre on February 5 to play LAGC.

In between McIlroy’s first two TGL matches, the Northern Irishman will play the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, which will be his first PGA Tour event of 2025.

McIlroy will then likely miss the WM Phoenix Open before playing the Genesis Invitational. The PGA Tour Signature Event, hosted by Tiger Woods, won’t be played at Riviera Country Club because of the devastating Los Angeles fires.

The tournament organisers are currently looking for an alternate venue to host one of the season’s most eagerly anticipated events.