It seems safe to say that it has been a mixed start for TGL, with plenty of bright points coming while the league waits for its full potential to become truly apparent.
Plenty of fans were impressed by TGL in its first week. And it seemed to be an inspired move to put Tiger Woods out in the second week when their biggest challenge was likely to be retaining the viewership.
It is hard to imagine a more entertaining moment all season than Kevin Kisner thinning a bunker shot into the flag when the ball looked destined to fly across the arena. Meanwhile, the likes of Shane Lowry and Sahith Theegala look set to thrive in the format.
But the big problem which needed to be addressed in week three was how one-sided the first two matches had been. There is no doubt at all that the matches become significantly less interesting once the winner is decided.
Concern about TGL after Billy Horschel issued an apology
It seems that Billy Horschel was well aware of that as his Atlanta Drive side took on New York in week three. During the game, Horschel joked that the producers had asked the players to make the game close.
Of course, all of TGL’s critics jumped on the comment. Horschel even apologised for his attempt at sarcasm being lost on some.
It was ridiculous that Horschel had to apologise. But speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, Ryan Lavner admitted that he is a little concerned that the reaction to Horschel’s comments will not help bring players out of their shells.
“He was clearly joking, I think anyone who heard that. I do remember thinking, ‘uh-oh. That’s probably going to cause a problem’. Obviously, there was no ill intent in that. Obviously, these are very proud athletes, who are trying to win a competition with money on the line at the end,” he said.
“I just hope this doesn’t scare some players off from having a little bit of fun. We’re trying to see players in a different light, trying to see them be entertainers. I don’t want them to be at all muzzled.”
TGL needs more players like Horschel
It was sad to see Horschel even feel compelled to apologise in any way. Had the producers genuinely asked for a close game, he would not be naive enough to make that public.
Ultimately, Horschel was the one who embraced the format better than anyone in that third game. He got involved with the crowd, he was joking around, and most importantly, he played his part in a comfortable win for Atlanta.
It was a slightly clumsy comment to make. However, there is no question at all that TGL is going to need players to be much more like Horschel and not like Patrick Cantlay and Cameron Young if it is going to really thrive.
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