TGL’s TV schedule, Tiger’s subsequent begin and extra

Examine in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most well liked matters within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we focus on the TGL’s TV schedule announcement, the Hero World Problem area, Justin Thomas’ newest disappointment and extra.

TGL, the indoor, digital golf league based by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, introduced its TV schedule for 2025, with the primary showdown airing in primetime on Tuesday, Jan. 7, on ESPN. Tiger Woods and his group received’t play on opening night time — he’ll play the subsequent week — however how necessary of a task do you assume Woods can have on the subject of viewer curiosity?

James Colgan, information and options editor (@jamescolgan26): Uh, Tiger’s position on this league is mainly the solely factor that issues for viewer curiosity within the early days. The TGL is betting — and hoping — that followers will benefit from the idea sufficient that they’ll nonetheless really feel compelled to observe in the course of the non-Woods weeks. Lots relies on how the published seems to be and feels, however my guess is that they’ll steal parts from the ManningCast to broaden participant entry (as mainly each new sports activities telecast appears to be doing).

Josh Sens, senior editor, (@joshsens): This isn’t just like the James Bond franchise, the place you may swap out the main actor with out dimming public ticket gross sales. As James notes, Tiger is essential to getting this factor kick-started. Although, long-term sustainability will probably hinge extra on how compelled individuals really feel to gamble on it.

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Tiger can be an enormous a part of it, however the important thing can be utilizing his identify to get viewers in after which utilizing the product to get them to come back again. However it is a TV present, in spite of everything, so the golfers enjoying will have to be entertaining and carry the motion after they aren’t hitting pictures. I’ve at all times felt execs in The Match have struggled with that half, so we’ll need to see the way it all goes down with TGL.

The venue for TGL, the SoFi Heart in Palm Seashore Gardens, Fla., seats about 1,500 and tickets begin at $160. In case you are a fan within the space, what’s your curiosity degree of attending one in every of these in particular person?

Colgan: I might assume fairly excessive! A few of the greatest gamers in golf, in an excellent intimate setting, in an space that’s already golf-mad? Looks as if an okay enterprise proposition to me.

Sens: Sartre had it improper. Hell isn’t different individuals. Hell is sitting in an enviornment with a ton of different individuals, watching grown males hit golf balls right into a display. If I’ve $160 earmarked for leisure, I’m enjoying golf. Not watching it indoors.

Berhow: As somebody who lives a number of states away, I’m not shopping for a aircraft ticket to go south and watch the TGL, but when I used to be within the space I’d undoubtedly contemplate it, largely as a result of curiosity issue. There are many worse methods to spend $160, (different) Josh! Plus, holding solely that many individuals, you received’t precisely be sitting within the nosebleeds.

Seventeen of the 20 spots had been introduced for the Hero World Problem to be performed in December within the Bahamas, though the 15-time major-champ host will but once more be a last-minute determination coming off his September again surgical procedure. Given what we all know to date, do you assume Woods performs?

Colgan: I feel he in all probability received’t play, contemplating the PNC Championship is only a few days later and would serve ostensibly the identical objective. Higher protected than sorry.

Sens: Agreed. Granted, Tiger has proven a Deadpool-like capability to bounce again from bodily damage. However the agonies have now piled as much as the purpose that I anticipate him to focus his energies on his internet hosting duties, whereas saving what stays of his again and knees and ft to play together with his son.

Berhow: I disagree! I feel he’ll play. We don’t know the specifics about his restoration, however the surgical procedure was minor and he may very probably be healed by then.

Nico Echavarria received the Zozo Championship in Japan, beating Justin Thomas and Max Greyserman by a shot. Thomas, who held a share of the lead at one level, continues to be winless because the 2022 PGA Championship, a drought of 49 begins on the PGA Tour. Was his efficiency and shut name this week extra encouraging or discouraging?

Colgan: I might say encouraging. JT performed a number of the greatest golf we’ve seen from him in a very long time, and extra importantly, he performed a number of the steadiest golf we’ve seen from him in a very long time (only one bogey in 72 holes!). That’s the successful system for him, he simply didn’t get the win.

Sens: He put himself in competition to win a event. That’s no small factor, particularly given his current struggles. Encouraging. I don’t know the way you possibly can see it some other manner.

Berhow: Encouraging. Successful golf tournaments is tough.

Following a chaotic 2024 WM Phoenix Open, organizers introduced modifications for the 2025 version in what they are saying can be a “higher, not larger” occasion come February. Among the many modifications: a brand new entrance and expanded walkways, a totally digital ticketing format, relocated meals and alcohol distributors to scale back foot site visitors and extra. Do you assume these modifications can be sufficient to resolve the event’s points? Or will its repute imply tweaks like this received’t go so far as one may assume?

Colgan: I really like the WM Phoenix Open, however I feel it’s unlikely to alter noticeably for so long as followers proceed to attend in pursuit of getting completely sloshed.

Sens: Final 12 months was an ideal storm, actually. Rain-soaked turf. Hordes of well-served followers. It was destined to show into the Jackass Invitational. However I’m with James. Even in dry circumstances, I don’t see the way you alter the important character of the event with these tweaks. The wildness is a function, not a bug. 

Berhow: This may enhance a number of the logistics however I’ve a tough time pondering it’s going to alter far more than that. The event’s largest problem is its notion, and that’s harder to alter. You’re nonetheless going to get that very same throng of followers who attend just because they assume it’s a free go to behave like idiots.

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