The simulator golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, TGL, has revealed updates to its playing format as it approaches its second season in December. Changes are being made to almost every aspect of the experience as the virtual holes displayed on the screen and the physical putting area inside the SoFi Center are seeing significant alterations.
While the fundamental hole designs will be consistent, the visual presentation has been greatly enhanced. Additionally, each of the six teams will select a hole from the first season to represent their team, creating a unique backdrop and terrain specific to them. Throughout the initial season, some teams frequently capitalized on particular holes, and with the introduction of the team hole concept, this advantage may become even more pronounced.
This was the primary change implemented for the digital aspect of the competition, with the remaining modifications focused on the physical golfing components.
TGL
The Green Zone, which encompasses the short-game area and putting surface, has undergone some adjustments. The putting area has been expanded by approximately 40%, enabling the league to utilize 12 different hole locations during matches, an increase from seven in the first season. The expanded green also means that the adjustable putting surface is larger, providing players with more factors to consider.
Initially, competitors had to navigate three greenside bunkers, but this number has been reduced to two. The smallest bunker has been removed, and in its place, TGL has opted to enlarge the remaining two. These bunkers will feature layered turf to create a distinctive visual appearance. A recurring problem during the first season was golf balls destined for the sand failing to fully settle into the bunker after coming off the simulator, leading to awkward stances for players. It remains to be seen whether this change will resolve the issue.
Other alterations prioritize the experience for fans in attendance, as the highest elevation in the Green Zone has been slightly lowered. This adjustment is intended to improve the viewing experience for spectators and, in turn, offer players more options around the green to execute a broader range of shots. The hitting areas, including tee boxes, approach boxes, and fairway bunker boxes, have also been enlarged. Moreover, two towers have been taken down, with ball-tracking sensors relocated to the ceiling.
TGL
Following a debut season consisting of 15 regular-season matches and a postseason, TGL sought input from its players, in addition to utilizing data and analytics gathered from all matches. These modifications seem to be a step forward, especially given the league’s willingness to acknowledge and address areas where it felt it could improve, similar to their decision to adjust the hammer rule mid-season.
Ultimately, regardless of the changes to gameplay, TGL’s triumph hinges on two key factors that are beyond its control due to existing agreements: the players’ dedication and enthusiasm in participating in these matches during the early part of the PGA Tour schedule, as well as the simulator technology, which had some glitches in its first season.
