TGL, the revolutionary indoor golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, successfully launched on January 7, 2025, with a vibrant debut match in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The opening competition featured The Bay Golf Club, represented by players Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry, and Wyndham Clark, who triumphed over New York Golf Club, comprised of Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Rickie Fowler, with a remarkable score of 9-2.

The match began amidst lively atmosphere characterized by strobe lights, music, and an engaging crowd of 1,500 spectators. "This was just a dream conjured up,” Woods stated during the broadcast, reflecting on the journey of establishing this tech-infused league, and added, “Rory and I were talking about it; it’s hard to believe that dream came into reality and we were able to take golf into another stratosphere, really” (CNN).

Each match in TGL consists of 15 holes spanning two segments. The format kicks off with a 3-on-3 alternate-shot style known as “triples” for the first nine holes, before transitioning into a singles competition over the last six holes. A 40-second shot clock added another layer of intensity to the already high-paced environment, as each hole was contested for a point. The excitement intensified when Lowry recorded the first birdie in TGL history after a brief delay when he forgot his tee.

The Bay Golf Club established an early lead, ending the first segment at 6-1, with Lowry ultimately sealing the victory on the par-five 10th hole (BBC). The atmosphere was markedly different than traditional golf tournaments; players were introduced in a theatrical style reminiscent of boxing events, complete with smoke machines and loud music.

The league's unique setup featured a variety of technologically advanced holes, including virtual designs and a rotating putting green that altered the playing field. The TGL's mission is to modernize golf and engage new audiences; as McIlroy described it, this is "golf, reimagined." Players have expressed how much they enjoyed this refreshing format. "It was awesome," Åberg remarked, reflecting on the stadium-like experience and its contrast to usual golf events (Reuters).

The upcoming TGL matches will continue weekly until March, following the inaugural match today's victory (AP News). Woods is set to make his debut on January 14 for the Jupiter Links Golf Club, followed by McIlroy's participation on January 27. As the season progresses, TGL is set to redefine competitive golf while drawing in audiences with its innovative format.