The TGL is gaining positive momentum as it enters the second half of its inaugural season.
The simulator golf league, co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, is still ironing out some issues but boasts a roster of 24 of the world’s top golfers and significant potential. However, there are a few high-profile players missing from the TGL roster, with Jordan Spieth among those not yet signed up for the venture.
TGL would appear to be a great fit for the entertaining and engaging Spieth, but the three-time major champion felt it was not feasible for him to join the new league due to his two young children and the fact that he lives in Dallas, not just around the corner from the SoFi Centre in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
“I’ve spoken with those guys from the very beginning,” Spieth told Smylie Kauffman on the latest episode of The Smylie Show. “Just with where I’m at in life, with my two young kids, and living in Dallas, it just isn’t a great time right now, given when it is in our schedule. You’re seeing most of those guys turn it down, but most of those guys either live there, live close to there, or don’t have multiple kids under four years old. So, it’s a little different place in life right now.”
“But certainly, the Tiger vs. Rory [match] was pretty exciting right to the end, and from what I’m hearing, [the Presidents Day triple-header] was, too. The concept is pretty cool. I’m having a different demographic ask me about it at the course than your typical network consumers of a PGA Tour event on the weekend. They seem to be accessing what they’re trying to access, which is great if it is another way to grow the game.”
TGL introduced a new twist this week when the Los Angeles Golf Club signed Tony Finau to a one-match contract, due to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood having prior commitments.
That’s an option that has been presented to Spieth and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is also not signed up for TGL, but it doesn’t address Spieth’s logistical issues.
“I’ve been asked by a couple of players now to sub in,” Spieth said. “Still seeing that as an issue for my scheduling purposes. I’ve been there when Scottie’s been asked, and it’s the same sort of situation. Throw one of these venues in Dallas, and we might have a better chance of joining. Maybe down the road.”
Spieth suggested that a Dallas team could consist of himself, Scheffler, Will Zalatoris, and Tom Kim. Kim currently plays for Jupiter Links alongside Tiger Woods, Max Homa, and Kevin Kisner.
TGL has proven to be agile during its inaugural season, and there is reason to expect larger changes once the first year concludes. This could include new franchises, new players, and players changing teams. Mike McCarley, the co-founder of TMRW Sports alongside Woods and McIlroy, has already hinted that expansion to new venues could be on the horizon.
If TGL looks to expand after its first season, adding Spieth and Scheffler should be a top priority. But it may take a few years before everything aligns and Spieth joins TGL.
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