TGL, the new tech-infused indoor golf league by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has been postponed until 2025.
On November 14, the new league’s purpose-built high-tech indoor venue imploded when its air-supported dome roof catastrophically failed.
Here’s some drone footage showing the extent of the damage:
The innovative golf league was set to launch in January 2024 with Woods and McIlroy as the headline acts.
But the $30 million SoFi Center in Florida, constructed specifically for the futuristic event, suffered a major structural failure during a power outage.
No injuries were reported, but TGL chiefs admitted repairs could not be completed in time for the planned January debut.
Instead, the hotly-anticipated league will now tee off in early 2025.
“We have begun to update plans and timelines and are confident that the extension will only improve our delivery,” a statement from TGL said.
The delay represents a blow to the PGA Tour’s fightback against the Saudi-funded LIV Golf breakaway series.
TGL was trumpeted as a modern twist to attract new generations of fans. State-of-the-art technology was set to trace every shot from Woods, McIlroy, and 22 other PGA Tour stars competing in the team event.
McIlroy remained positive, saying: “Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”
The SoFi Center’s partially collapsed roof will now have to be entirely rebuilt and re-engineered — setting the exciting concept back another year.
The 250,000-square-foot venue was designed to resemble a futuristic indoor golf arena, complete with a huge simulator, real grass, and tech-infused greens. It had been set to accommodate 1,600 fans on match nights.
TGL promised to showcase custom drone footage tracing every shot, augmented reality graphics, and unprecedented access to data and audio from the players themselves.
However, the damage caused when the structure’s air-supported roof failed proved too severe to patch up in a matter of months.
McIlroy and Woods both committed along with marquee names like Justin Thomas, Adam Scott, and Collin Morikawa.
Broadcast giant ESPN had signed up for the made-for-TV spectacle tipped to revamp golf’s viewing experience.
TGL may promise a bright new era for golf. But first, its showpiece arena requires a complete rebuild after November’s major setback.
For now, the intriguing TGL concept remains on hold.
