Explained: The format of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's golf league TGL
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's golf league, TGL, is taking shape. Now we finally know the format. Here's how it works and what you need to know.
More details are emerging about what we can expect from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's golf league TGL.
Per an official release on 31 October, the format has been confirmed for the two-hour broadcasts on ESPN.
TGL will premiere on Tuesday, 9 January on ESPN and ESPN+.
What is the TGL format?
TGL matches will feature two teams of three players competing in 15-hole matches in both alternate-shot and singles sessions in a weekly competition.
The alternate-shot will be a three-on-three contest over nine holes.
That will be followed by six holes of singles in which each player plays two holes in head-to-head competition.
How many matches will be played?
Over the course of the season, 15 matches will be played.
How are points awarded?
Each hole has a value of one point for the team with the fewest number of strokes.
No points are awarded for tied holes. Points do not carry over.
If overtime is required to determine a match winner, players compete head-to-head until a team hits two shots closer to the pin that its opponent.
How will the standings be determined?
Winning teams will receive two points for a regulation win or in overtime.
The losing team gets one point if the match extends into overtime but not for a regulation loss.
After the regular season, the top four teams advance to the playoffs.
The playoffs will begin with single-elimination semifinal matches followed by a best of three final.
What are the team names?
At the time of writing, five TGL teams have been announced.
They are:
- Boston Common
- Los Angeles Golf Club
- Atlanta Drive (Justin Thomas was the first player to commit to Atlanta)
Teams from New York and San Francisco are yet-to-be named.
The sixth and final franchise will be announced in the coming weeks.
Where will TGL matches be played?
All matches will be played at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The 250,000-square-foot venue has a capacity for 1,600 spectators.
Players will hit from real grass and sand on a football-field sized surface that includes a 64-foot high simulator.
For short game shots within 50 yards, players will hit into a dynamic putting surface that shifts to create varying slopes and breaks.
Who is playing in TGL?
TGL roster:
- Tiger Woods
- Rory McIlroy
- Jon Rahm
- Justin Thomas
- Rickie Fowler
- Collin Morikawa
- Matthew Fitzpatrick
- Justin Rose
- Xander Schauffele
- Max Homa
- Adam Scott
- Billy Horschel
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Shane Lowry
- Tom Kim
- Keegan Bradley
- Sahith Theegala
- Cameron Young
- Min Woo Lee
- Patrick Cantlay
- Lucas Glover
- Kevin Kisner
- Wyndham Clark
