TGL nearing debut: What to know about new golf league, including teams, schedule, format

The TGL, a groundbreaking venture in the world of golf, is set to launch its inaugural season on Jan. 7. This innovative, tech-focused league, spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, promises a fresh experience for golf fans worldwide.

The TMRW Sports Group, which owns TGL, is partnering with the PGA Tour on the venture presented by SoFi.

The TGL will feature six teams, each consisting of four PGA Tour golfers. To enhance the fan experience, players will wear microphones during play as they compete in 15 regular matches held in a custom-built arena from early January to early March. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for March 17 and March 18. The winners of the semifinals will then compete for the SoFi Cup in a best-of-three finals, taking place on March 24 and March 25.

Here is everything to know about the TGL ahead of the first tee on Jan. 7:

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What is TGL?

TGL, which unofficially stands for Tomorrow's Golf League, is a new tech-infused golf league. The idea behind it is to combine the latest in golf technology with in-person competition.

TGL’s format is designed to, in Woods' words, "bring a fresh, modern, and fast-paced twist to the game we all love so much." It will include a shot clock, timeouts, and both team and individual match play.

How do the TGL matches work?

Each TGL match is a battle of skill and strategy, consisting of two intense sessions. The first session is a nine-hole, 3-on-3 alternate-shot format known as 'triples.' The second session features singles, where players go head-to-head for six holes, with each golfer playing two holes. With a shot clock ticking at 40 seconds, the pressure is on. A one-stroke penalty for a shot clock violation makes every shot crucial.

Each hole is worth one point. If the two teams are tied at the end of regulation, they will proceed to overtime. During overtime, players will go head-to-head, and the team that hits their shot closest to the pin will be declared the winner.

Where will the TGL play?

The TGL will feature six teams of four PGA Tour golfers playing in two-hour matches inside the SoFi Center, a custom-built arena located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

How to watch the TGL

For those eager to witness the TGL action, all the matches will be easily accessible. Whether you prefer the big screen or the convenience of streaming, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ have you covered. The entire season will be broadcast or streamed, ensuring you never miss a moment of the thrilling competition.

TGL matches can also be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

Is Tiger Woods playing in TGL?

Tiger Woods will be joined by Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner on the Jupiter Links GC team, which was announced April 22.

What teams and players make up the TGL?

Here are the six teams and their players competing in the first season of TGL:

Atlanta Drive GC

• Patrick Cantlay

• Lucas Glover

• Billy Horschel

• Justin Thomas

Boston Common Golf

• Keegan Bradley

• Hideki Matsuyama

• Rory McIlroy

• Adam Scott

The Bay Golf Club

• Ludvig Åberg

• Wyndham Clark

• Shane Lowry

• Min Woo Lee

Jupiter Links Golf Club

• Max Homa

• Tom Kim

• Kevin Kisner

• Tiger Woods

Los Angeles Golf Club

• Tommy Fleetwood

• Collin Morikawa

• Justin Rose

• Sahith Theegala

New York Golf Club

• Matt Fitzpatrick

• Rickie Fowler

• Xander Schauffele

• Cameron Young

TGL Schedule

All Times Eastern

TGL regular season

∎ JAN. 7

New York Golf Club vs. The Bay Golf Club, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ JAN. 14

Los Angeles Golf Club vs. Jupiter Links Golf Club, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ JAN. 21

New York Golf Club vs. Atlanta Drive GC, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ JAN. 27

Jupiter Links Golf Club vs. Boston Common Golf, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ FEB. 4

Boston Common Golf vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ FEB. 17

Atlanta Drive GC vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 1 p.m. (ESPN)

Atlanta Drive GC vs. The Bay Golf Club, 4 p.m. (ESPN)

The Bay Golf Club vs. Boston Common Golf, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

∎ FEB. 18

Jupiter Links Golf Club vs. New York Golf Club, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ FEB. 24

Los Angeles Golf Club vs. New York Golf Club, 5 p.m. (ESPN2)

Boston Common Golf vs Atlanta Drive GC, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

∎ FEB. 25

The Bay Golf Club vs. Jupiter Links Golf Club, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

∎ MARCH 3

The Bay Golf Club vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 3 p.m. (ESPN2)

New York Golf Club vs. Boston Common Golf, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

∎ MARCH 4

Jupiter Links Golf Club vs. Atlanta Drive GC, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

TGL semifinals

∎ MARCH 17-18

The top four teams in the SoFi Cup standings compete in the semifinals.

TGL championship

∎ MARCH 24-25

The championship series will be a best-of-three matches.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TGL: What to know about new golf league, teams, schedule, format