Why golf fans should watch and care about TGL

TGL - what is it, what is it all about, and why should you watch it? 

An indoor golf league? It does sound quite alien at first, but it is in fact quite entertaining. It's got the very best players in the world, playing in teams in a never-before-seen format on some ridiculous course layouts that you have to see to believe. Here is everything you need to know about what is being labelled by some as "the future of golf". 

What is TGL?

TGL is an innovative indoor golf league that is currently midway through its second season. It takes some of the very best golfers in the world and has them competing in teams in a league format. There are two sessions in each match, triples, which is alternate shot between each player on the team, and singles, which is head-to-head action. Each hole is worth one point.  

Players hit at a huge simulator screen, which is bigger than any simulator screen you have ever seen, from 35 yards out. Once the ball is in short game range, the players head over to the highly advanced short game area where the green has been laid out to replicate the one on screen.  

If you despise slow play, then this is for you, as there is a shot clock on every shot, making the action fast paced and very intense. There is also a hammer which can played, raising the stakes of the hole, and every player is mic’d up, getting the viewers in on the action.  

Let's take a look at the teams. 

Atlanta Drive is represented by Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay. Boston Common has a team consisting of Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott. Jupiter Links is where you will find the legendary Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner. Los Angeles has Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. 

New York has a team of Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young. Finally, the Bay is home to Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee and Shane Lowry.

What Does TGL Offer Golf Fans?

TGL isn't trying to replace traditional golf, it is reimagining it in an entirely different concept. Instead of early morning tee times and four-hour rounds, TGL is played in front of an arena crowd where the action is non-stop. With player walk ons and blaring music, it is very similar to the darts world championship. The entire match is only 15 holes, bringing you two hours of non-stop action and excitement.  

The technology on display really makes TGL something special and unique. The state-of-the-art simulator and short game area truly shows that the future of golf is exciting.  

Why You Should Watch TGL 

I know many golf lovers that spend countless hours on the driving range and on the course each week purely because they love the game. But they don’t spend a minute watching the PGA Tour. Most often this is because they find it too slow and boring, and truthfully, sometimes I have to agree with them. TGL is the complete opposite of this. It's fast, it's electric and it is definitely not boring for anyone. So, whether you're new to golf or have been in love with the game for many years now, there is something for everyone at TGL.  

Sometimes people find watching golf quite intimidating, with all the rules and what not. TGL is stripped back and simple in format. Anyone can understand it and pick it up straight away. You also get to see your favourite golfing stars in a different light. The mic’d up aspect of TGL really makes it what it is. You will see banter and jokes amongst players that you would never see on Augusta National, I promise you that.  

Put simply, TGL is all about entertainment. And it does it well. Everything about TGL is set up to be entertaining and enjoyable to watch from start to finish. I love spending my weekends watching the PGA Tour, but sometimes it is nice to relax and watch something much more light-hearted and, ultimately, more entertaining.  

Golf fans in the UK & Ireland can watch every match of the 2026 TGL season exclusively live on Sky Sports Golf, with viewers in the United States being able to follow on ESPN and the ESPN App.

Is TGL The Future of Golf? 

In my opinion, no, it isn't. Golf is a traditional sport, and I can’t see golf ever ditching the long weekends on courses that are packed with history for a simulator screen in an arena. TGL isn’t aiming to drive golfers off the course, it's aiming to bring new golf fans into the world of professional golf viewing.  

Could the TGL have an impact on how professional golf is broadcast further down the line, potentially? TGL often reminds me of the Ryder Cup for a number of reasons, and not just because of the team formats. The Ryder Cup is by far the most enjoyable golf competition to watch. It is non-stop, fast paced action and it is incredibly intense where every single shot matters. Just watch one TGL match and I think you would agree with me.  

TGL is bold, experimental and intentionally different from traditional golf. When you combine elite talent, innovative technology, and a team based, made for TV format, you get a fresh and exciting way to experience live golf.  

So, whether you are a lifelong golf fan who commits every weekend to playing the game and watching the PGA Tour, or you are brand new to the sport, there is something for everyone at TGL. Approach TGL with an open mind, and it might change the way you think about golf.