LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Skip Bayless gives his verdict on TGL as he states what he wants to see Tiger Woods doing instead

Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Add as preferred source on Google

With two matches of the TGL now complete, the innovative indoor golf league has divided opinion.

The uniqueness of the product and the high-profile nature of the golfers involved is definitely a positive. 1.2 million people tuned into the opening TGL match at the beginning of January, and that figure is likely to have increased for Tiger Woods’ opening fixture on Tuesday.

There are, however, a few teething issues, mainly the lack of competitiveness in both fixtures to date. New York Golf Club were thrashed by The Bay GC on night one, and Woods’ Jupiter Links were beaten 12-1 by Los Angeles Golf Club.

Golf fans want to see matches go down to the wire. Right now, the TGL has been more of an exhibition.

Skip Bayless says what must happen with the TGL

PNC Championship - Round Two
Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

American sports broadcaster Skip Bayless also feels the TGL is lacking the competitiveness found within “real golf” played on some of the world’s best courses.

“I keep trying to get into the Tiger Golf League,” he wrote. “But I don’t want to watch him/other stars play silly golf, goof around, yuk it up like weekenders. Simulators never accurate.

“Wedges flying greens. I don’t want to see Tiger giggle and guffaw. I want to see him PLAY FOR-REAL GOLF.”

As Bayless mentions, questions have been raised about the accuracy of the simulator after Woods saw a 100-yard wedge shot fly nearly 30 yards over the back of the green. If the technology isn’t working as it should, the integrity of the TGL could be questioned.

Work to do for the TGL after mixed opening matches

Ideally, the third match between New York Golf Club and Atlanta Drive Golf Club will be the closest contest yet.

The TGL has shown glimpses of what is possible, and if a fixture goes the distance, the tech-infused venture could really prove its full worth.

But organisers must ensure players and fans that the technology is working correctly. Speculation about the simulator and rotating green would quickly turn people away from watching.

FixtureDate
New York Golf Club vs The Bay Golf ClubJanuary 8
New York Golf Club vs Atlanta Drive GCJanuary 22
Boston Common Golf vs Jupiter Links Golf ClubJanuary 27
Boston Common Golf vs Los Angeles Golf ClubFebruary 5
Atlanta Drive GC vs Los Angeles Golf ClubFebruary 17 (6pm)
Atlanta Drive GC vs The Bay Golf ClubFebruary 17 (9 pm)
The Bay Golf Club vs Boston Common GolfFebruary 18
Jupiter Links Golf Club vs New York Golf ClubFebruary 19
Los Angeles Golf Club vs New York Golf ClubFebruary 24
Boston Common Golf vs Atlanta Drive GCFebruary 25
The Bay Golf Club vs Jupiter Links Golf ClubFebruary 26
The Bay Golf Club vs Los Angeles Golf ClubMarch 3
New York Golf Club vs Boston Common GolfMarch 4
Jupiter Links Golf Club vs Atlanta DriveMarch 5
Semi-final oneMarch 18
Semi-final twoMarch 19
FinalMarch 24/25/26

Punishing good shots and rewarding bad shots would completely undermine what the TGL is trying to achieve at the SoFi Arena.

Hopefully, after two weeks of learning, the third match is the start of a positive stretch of fixtures for Woods’ venture.