Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy could hardly contain their excitement during the highly-anticipated launch of Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL).

On Tuesday, TGL – a tech-infused indoor league co-founded by Woods and McIlroy – kicked off at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens. In the inaugural match, the New York Golf Club (Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick) lost 9-2 to the Bay Golf Club (Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark and Shane Lowry) at the 250,000-square foot arena that seats approximately 1,500 spectators.

TGL has been years in the making, with Mike McCarley first bringing the innovative concept to the attention of McIlroy and Woods in December of 2020. The trio founded TMRW Sports two years later, with the league finally coming to fruition this month on the heels of a one-year delay.

“Considering this was just a dream conjured up – Rory and I were talking about it – it’s hard to believe that that dream came into reality and we’re able to take golf into another stratosphere really,” Woods said while making a guest appearance in the booth during Tuesday’s event.

It didn’t take long for Woods to make note of the major differences between TGL and the PGA Tour. The SoFi Center is equipped with a 64 x 53-foot screen and rotating green, as well as an abundance of patrons who quickly made their presence felt.

“Just to have the ability to showcase our sport – and it’s not traditional golf, yes – but it is golf,” Woods added. “And that’s the main thing provided a different type of atmosphere.

Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news

The first-ever TGL match pitted the New York Golf Club against the Bay Golf Club

The first-ever TGL match pitted the New York Golf Club against the Bay Golf Club ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

“I hear a couple people rooting against Wyndham on that putt back there. You don’t normally hear that at events. There are certain events you do hear that all the time, but most events you don’t hear that. You’re gonna hear that here, which is great.”

In addition to being one of the league’s founders, Woods is slated to compete in TGL as a member of the Jupiter Links Golf Club. After only managing to make 13 combined starts on the PGA Tour over the last four seasons, the 49-year-old now relishes the opportunity to play a less physically taxing style of golf.

“I’m excited to do this. This has been a dream come true to build something like this and to have it come to reality and have this much excitement, and have these guys play like this,” Woods said.

“I haven’t been a part of the playing process in a while. This is showcasing golf, you know, what we want to do. It’s a little harder for me to play a full-time schedule but this is something neat and we’re able to bring it to all the fans all around the world.”

According to McIlroy, the early reviews from those competing on the TGL have been nothing short of incredible. “The guys came and played a practice match last night, and I saw Shane earlier today, and he said it was the most fun that he’s had playing golf for two hours that he can remember,” the Northern Irishman said.

“So, you know, when the players really get into it, you know, hopefully the audience at home can see that as well.”