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

Test in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most popular subjects 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 area, 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 workforce gained’t play on opening night time — he’ll play the subsequent week — however how essential of a task do you assume Woods could have relating to 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 throughout the non-Woods weeks. Quite a bit is determined by how the printed seems to be and feels, however my guess is that they’ll steal parts 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 may swap out the main actor with out dimming public ticket gross sales. As James notes, Tiger is essential to getting this factor kick-started. Although, long-term sustainability will seemingly hinge extra on how compelled folks really feel to gamble on it.

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Tiger will likely be an enormous a part of it, however the important thing will likely 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 taking part in will have to be entertaining and carry the motion once they aren’t hitting pictures. I’ve all the time felt professionals in The Match have struggled with that half, so we’ll must see the way it all goes down with TGL.

The venue for TGL, the SoFi Heart in Palm Seashore Gardens, Fla., seats about 1,500 and tickets begin at $160. In case you are a fan within the space, what’s your curiosity degree of attending one in every of these in individual?

Colgan: I might assume fairly excessive! A number of the greatest 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 unsuitable. Hell isn’t different folks. Hell is sitting in an area with a ton of different folks, watching grown males hit golf balls right into a display. If I’ve $160 earmarked for leisure, I’m taking part in golf. Not watching it indoors.

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

Seventeen of the 20 spots have 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 assume Woods performs?

Colgan: I believe he in all probability gained’t play, contemplating the PNC Championship is just some days later and would serve ostensibly the identical function. 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 toes 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 seemingly be healed by then.

Nico Echavarria gained 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 because the 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 might say encouraging. JT performed a number of the greatest golf we’ve seen from him in a very long time, and extra importantly, he performed a number of the steadiest golf we’ve seen from him in a very long time (only one bogey in 72 holes!). That’s the successful formulation 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 understand how you can see it another manner.

Berhow: Encouraging. Profitable golf tournaments is difficult.

Following a chaotic 2024 WM Phoenix Open, organizers introduced adjustments for the 2025 version in what they are saying will likely 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 scale back foot site visitors and extra. Do you assume these adjustments will likely be sufficient to unravel the event’s points? Or will its popularity imply tweaks like this gained’t go so far as one may assume?

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 12 months 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 circumstances, I don’t see the way you alter the important character of the event with these tweaks. The wildness is a characteristic, not a bug. 

Berhow: This may enhance a number of the logistics however I’ve a tough time pondering it’s going to alter rather more than that. The event’s greatest challenge is its notion, and that’s tougher to alter. You’re nonetheless going to get that very same throng of followers who attend just because they assume it’s a free cross to behave like idiots.

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