TGL debut postponed until 2025 after Tiger Woods host course, Rory McIlroy-led golf league suffers damage
TGL Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy announced Monday that they would be canceling the first simulator golf league until 2025 due to damage to its host facility, the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. TGL was due to start on 9 January 2024 and play its first two weeks of matches on Tuesday nights before moving to Monday nights. The delay is expected to last until early 2025 due to ESPN’s other television commitments in the spring and summer as well as the player schedule between the PGA Tour and major tournaments.
TGL’s delay becomes official less than a week after its field was damaged. The range, which was to include full-swing golf shots, had to fit into a simulator screen 20 times the normal size and a short game area and green for shots less than 50 yards. It was expected that there would be almost 2,000 spectators inside the facility.
“Overnight on Tuesday, November 14, a failure of the temporary power system and the back-up systems used during the construction of the dome caused it to go out, causing damage to the dome section of the site with air support. technology has not been affected,” TGL said in a statement. “After discussions with key stakeholders, including players, our six team ownership groups, PGA Tour leadership and our commercial partners, SoFi, ESPN and Palm Beach State College, it was decided to postpone the start of the TGL season until early 2025.
“This decision came after we reviewed short-term solutions, potential acquisition timelines, player schedules, and the major sports television calendar. the start of the season with our players, fans and teams. We have started updating plans and timelines and we are confident that this extension will only improve our delivery.”
“This delay brings mixed feelings of disappointment and happiness,” McIlroy said. “Above all, we’re glad no one was hurt. We look forward to launching TGL. Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the delay will allow us to regroup, refocus and come back stronger.”
The six-team league with 24 PGA Tour players was about to announce additional details such as the schedule and team names for the cities of New York and San Francisco. The 15-game inaugural season was to feature a unique format of play with players competing in both alternate sessions and single sessions.
An official start date for 2025 has not been announced.
