Tiger Woods Returns to Action at TGL
San Diego, California – Tiger Woods, whose mother Kultida Woods passed away suddenly last week, has announced his return to competitive golf at the TGL (Technogolf League).
In an emotional appearance on the CBS broadcast booth at the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines South Course, Woods shared that his mother "was my rock." He withdrew from the tournament after her passing, but expressed his excitement to get back to playing.
Woods’ Return at TGL
Woods will make his 2023 golf debut at the TGL on Tuesday, February 18, as part of Jupiter Links Golf Club. The team, which also features Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Kevin Kisner, will face off against New York Golf Club, led by Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young.
The TGL is a new league that combines aspects of traditional and simulator golf in a team format.
TGL Match Details
The TGL match will consist of three different formats:
- 3-on-3 Alternate Shot: Teams of three players compete in nine holes of alternate shot golf.
- Head-to-Head Match Play: Each team member plays two holes of head-to-head match play against an opposing player.
- Closest-to-the-Pin Overtime: If the match is tied after 11 holes, the teams compete in an overtime shootout where each player takes one shot from a designated location. The team with the two closest shots to the pin wins.
Tiger Woods’ Expectations
Woods expressed his desire to play more golf this year, stating, "My goal was to play more and I haven’t played. Got to work on that." He added that he is "looking forward to playing some bigger events."
How to Watch Tiger Woods in TGL
The TGL match between Jupiter Links Golf Club and New York Golf Club will air live on ESPN on Tuesday, February 18, at 7 p.m. ET.
Other Notable TGL Investors
In addition to Woods, other prominent investors in the TGL include:
- Rory McIlroy
- Justin Thomas
- Jon Rahm
- Dustin Johnson
TGL Format
The TGL features a unique mix of traditional and simulator golf, played on a custom-built course in the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida area.
Traditional Play
Players tee off from a mat into a 64-by-53-foot screen. They can hit from fairway, rough, and sand surfaces.
Green Zone
Once the ball lands approximately 50 yards from the pin, players transition to the "Green Zone," a 3,800-square-foot green that can be adjusted for variety on each hole.
Shot Clock
To increase the pressure, a shot clock of 40 seconds is enforced. Any violation of the time limit results in a one-stroke penalty.
Team Scoring
Teams earn two points for a win, one point for an overtime loss, and no points for a loss. The top four teams advance to the TGL semifinals.
TGL Impact
The TGL is expected to revolutionize the way golf is played and viewed. It offers a unique and entertaining format that combines the precision of traditional golf with the high-tech advancements of simulator technology.
With the involvement of legendary players like Tiger Woods, the TGL is poised to attract new fans and bring golf to a broader audience.