Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL is just weeks away, and anticipation is building ahead of the innovative indoor league.
Woods’ first game is on January 14, as Jupiter Links GC take on The Bay GC at the SoFi Centre. Ahead of the first round of fixtures, several high-profile names have headed down to Palm Beach.
Footage of Woods practicing at the SoFi Centre recently emerged, much to the excitement of golf fans worldwide. The 15-time major winner is also competing in this weekend’s PNC Championship alongside his son, Charlie.
Tiger Woods delivers verdict on TGL facilities
Woods was quizzed on the TGL before this week’s family-oriented event in Orlando. After the SoFi Centre collapsed in November 2023, Woods suggested that the year-long delay had actually worked in the TGL’s favour.
“It was a blessing in disguise. We were rushing to get it ready, and I don’t think we had all the components that we have now,” said Woods. “We certainly didn’t have the technology that we have now, so it worked out for the best.
“We’re are going to give and deliver a better experience than if that storm had not happened.”
When asked to give his thoughts on the arena in its current state, Woods added: “It was incredible. Absolutely incredible. The rotating green blew me away.”
2023 incident could benefit TGL
As Woods mentioned, the collapse of the SoFi Centre in November 2023 could have been for the best.
A half-baked product without sufficient technology wouldn’t have made it past the first year. Now, with cutting-edge facilities in place and some of golf’s biggest names set to feature, the TGL could prove a hit with the fans.
13 months ago, an overnight failure with the temporary power system caused a partial deflation and limited damage to the air-supported dome section of the site. Limited damage and tears to the dome occurred, which eventually resulted in the start of the TGL being pushed back.
Four-time major winner McIlroy, who is one of the names behind the venture, also believes the delay has worked out in the TGL’s favour. “And I think one of my first thoughts walking in was, like, wow, the delay was like a blessing in disguise because it wouldn’t have looked the way it had if it hadn’t been for that,” the Northern Irishman said.
“So I think it was a bit of a silver lining that that happened. It gave everyone more time to dial things in, make the arena a little bit better. So, I think everything that went into the SoFi Center has been overwhelmed by just how cool the place is.”
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