TGL’s TV schedule, Tiger’s subsequent begin and extra

Verify in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most well liked matters within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we talk about the TGL’s TV schedule announcement, the Hero World Problem discipline, Justin Thomas’ newest disappointment and extra.

TGL, the indoor, digital golf league based by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, introduced its TV schedule for 2025, with the primary showdown airing in primetime on Tuesday, Jan. 7, on ESPN. Tiger Woods and his staff received’t play on opening evening — he’ll play the subsequent week — however how vital of a job do you suppose Woods may have on the subject of viewer curiosity?

James Colgan, information and options editor (@jamescolgan26): Uh, Tiger’s position on this league is mainly the solely factor that issues for viewer curiosity within the early days. The TGL is betting — and hoping — that followers will benefit from the idea sufficient that they’ll nonetheless really feel compelled to observe in the course of the non-Woods weeks. Lots is dependent upon how the printed seems and feels, however my guess is that they’ll steal components from the ManningCast to develop participant entry (as mainly each new sports activities telecast appears to be doing).

Josh Sens, senior editor, (@joshsens): This isn’t just like the James Bond franchise, the place you’ll be able to swap out the main actor with out dimming public ticket gross sales. As James notes, Tiger is vital to getting this factor kick-started. Although, long-term sustainability will probably hinge extra on how compelled individuals really feel to gamble on it.

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Tiger shall be an enormous a part of it, however the important thing shall be utilizing his identify to get viewers in after which utilizing the product to get them to come back again. However it is a TV present, in spite of everything, so the golfers enjoying will have to be entertaining and carry the motion after they aren’t hitting pictures. I’ve all the time felt execs in The Match have struggled with that half, so we’ll need to see the way it all goes down with TGL.

The venue for TGL, the SoFi Heart in Palm Seaside Gardens, Fla., seats about 1,500 and tickets begin at $160. If you’re a fan within the space, what’s your curiosity stage of attending one in all these in individual?

Colgan: I’d suppose fairly excessive! A number of the finest gamers in golf, in an excellent intimate setting, in an space that’s already golf-mad? Looks as if an okay enterprise proposition to me.

Sens: Sartre had it flawed. Hell isn’t different individuals. Hell is sitting in an enviornment with a ton of different individuals, watching grown males hit golf balls right into a display screen. If I’ve $160 earmarked for leisure, I’m enjoying golf. Not watching it indoors.

Berhow: As somebody who lives a number of states away, I’m not shopping for a aircraft ticket to move south and watch the TGL, but when I used to be within the space I’d positively take into account it, principally as a result of curiosity issue. There are many worse methods to spend $160, (different) Josh! Plus, holding solely that many individuals, you received’t precisely be sitting within the nosebleeds.

Seventeen of the 20 spots had been introduced for the Hero World Problem to be performed in December within the Bahamas, though the 15-time major-champ host will but once more be a last-minute choice coming off his September again surgical procedure. Given what we all know thus far, do you suppose Woods performs?

Colgan: I believe he in all probability received’t play, contemplating the PNC Championship is just some days later and would serve ostensibly the identical goal. Higher protected than sorry.

Sens: Agreed. Granted, Tiger has proven a Deadpool-like capability to bounce again from bodily harm. However the agonies have now piled as much as the purpose that I anticipate him to focus his energies on his internet hosting duties, whereas saving what stays of his again and knees and ft to play together with his son.

Berhow: I disagree! I believe he’ll play. We don’t know the specifics about his restoration, however the surgical procedure was minor and he may very probably be healed by then.

Nico Echavarria received the Zozo Championship in Japan, beating Justin Thomas and Max Greyserman by a shot. Thomas, who held a share of the lead at one level, continues to be winless for the reason that 2022 PGA Championship, a drought of 49 begins on the PGA Tour. Was his efficiency and shut name this week extra encouraging or discouraging?

Colgan: I’d say encouraging. JT performed a few of the finest golf we’ve seen from him in a very long time, and extra importantly, he performed a few of the steadiest golf we’ve seen from him in a very long time (only one bogey in 72 holes!). That’s the profitable method for him, he simply didn’t get the win.

Sens: He put himself in competition to win a event. That’s no small factor, particularly given his current struggles. Encouraging. I don’t know the way you can see it some other approach.

Berhow: Encouraging. Successful golf tournaments is tough.

Following a chaotic 2024 WM Phoenix Open, organizers introduced adjustments for the 2025 version in what they are saying shall be a “higher, not larger” occasion come February. Among the many adjustments: a brand new entrance and expanded walkways, a completely digital ticketing format, relocated meals and alcohol distributors to cut back foot site visitors and extra. Do you suppose these adjustments shall be sufficient to resolve the event’s points? Or will its repute imply tweaks like this received’t go so far as one may suppose?

Colgan: I really like the WM Phoenix Open, however I believe it’s unlikely to alter noticeably for so long as followers proceed to attend in pursuit of getting completely sloshed.

Sens: Final yr was an ideal storm, actually. Rain-soaked turf. Hordes of well-served followers. It was destined to show into the Jackass Invitational. However I’m with James. Even in dry situations, I don’t see the way you alter the important character of the event with these tweaks. The wildness is a function, not a bug. 

Berhow: This may enhance a few of the logistics however I’ve a tough time considering it’s going to alter far more than that. The event’s largest problem is its notion, and that’s harder to alter. You’re nonetheless going to get that very same throng of followers who attend just because they suppose it’s a free cross to behave like idiots.