No person is getting fitted for championship jackets simply but, however Boston Widespread Golf definitely is within the purple after its TGL debut.
Boston Widespread and Jupiter Hyperlinks Golf Membership produced the most effective match of the four-week TGL season at SoFi Heart on Monday evening, a 4-3 additional time victory for Tiger Woods’ aspect. Whereas Boston Widespread fell to 0-1 on the season, the product far outweighed the consequence.
Listed here are 5 takeaways from Boston Widespread Golf’s debut:
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Mixture of vitality and leisure
The vitality felt genuine and the leisure adopted. TGL founding fathers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, dealing with one another for the primary time, clearly cared. No snapshot proved that greater than when Boston Widespread threw “The Hammer” — a flag that turns the opening from one level to 2 factors. Boston Widespread trailed Jupiter Hyperlinks 3-2 on the thirteenth gap when McIlroy sunk a 9-footer and threw the hammer as Tiger approached his 8-foot putt. Denying the hammer would’ve conceded the game-tying level so Tiger did precisely what you’d count on. He drilled his putt and spiked the golf ball in celebration. There have been loads of light-hearted chirps and trash speak — like when Boston tried to misdirect Woods to the flag — however the principle factor was golf followers noticed two of the largest names and fiercest opponents within the recreation go head-to-head. Additionally, it’s essential to notice whereas there’s nonetheless room for enchancment from a know-how standpoint, TGL definitely isn’t simply hitting it onerous at a typical simulator. The duffed sand shot by Tom Kim on the fifteenth gap and close to hole-outs showcased how a lot play across the inexperienced issues. And that’s not one thing you discover anyplace else.
Let’s give it up for “The Hammer”
Everybody needs factors, proper? Effectively, the premise of “The Hammer” seeks to make that occur. It provides strain and heightens the stakes whereas additionally forcing groups to be strategic with recreation administration. Each Boston Widespread and Jupiter Hyperlinks did so by conceding holes (dropping one level) quite than accepting “The Hammer” and probably dropping two factors. Among the largest moments within the match occurred when the flag was thrown, Boston Widespread’s Keegan Bradley tossing it on the primary of 15 holes. Phrase of recommendation for TGL opponents: Extra hammer, please. It makes all the things extra attention-grabbing.
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Time beyond regulation is sweet, however one slight tweak
Skilled sports activities leagues (MLB, NHL, and so forth). have made changes to additional time guidelines in an effort to hurry up the conclusion — and correctly so. TGL’s additional time, launched for the primary time Monday, gives a fast and environment friendly ending as nicely. The match was determined by a closest-to-the-pin chip shot from roughly 40 yards out, which lasted a couple of minute after regulation. It was edge-of-seat leisure and catered to the plenty given each golfer steps as much as a 40-yarder overconfident as if there’s some likelihood they stick it shut. One slight tweak? Make the best-of-three a best-of-five so all three golfers get a flip. The actual fact neither McIlroy nor Woods received an opportunity was a little bit of a bummer.
The advantages of McIlroy
Boston Widespread has the benefit of getting probably the most well-liked gamers within the sport. McIlroy’s first swing off the tee registered a 189 mph (!) ball velocity. His ball velocity later hit 190 (!). It wasn’t simply off the tee both. McIlroy’s 8-foot-8-inch par putt on the thirteenth gap was an exhilarating save, solely to be matched by Woods. The Ballfrogs — an objectively cool title and brand, too — profit from having one of many founders. Jupiter Hyperlinks’ combination of Woods’ notoriety and Kim’s showmanship is also a product price watching. Including different showmen like content material king Bryson DeChambeau and/or Brooks Koepka possible would heighten the product, too.
Celebs have been out
Among the largest names in sports activities have been at SoFi Heart on the campus of Palm Seashore State Faculty. Crimson Sox legend David Ortiz, one of many largest supporters of Boston Widespread Golf, delivered a message to the Ballfrogs. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, an avid golfer himself, additionally was in the home. As was MLB celebrity Mike Trout, an investor in Jupiter Hyperlinks.
