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Woods and former Golf Channel president Mike McCarley, who has
partnered with Woods to form TMRW Sports, outlined the startup
that will combine virtual technology and a green complex at a
custom-built venue.
The new league, TGL, will begin in January 2024 and have teams
compete in 18-hole matches during 15 regular-season events, with
the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The contests will
take place in prime time on Monday nights.
"We've been working on this for two years," McIlroy said. "I
think it's a great opportunity for PGA Tour players to show a
different side of themselves, prime time on Monday night. I
think it's great for brand exposure to try to engage a different
audience."
McIlroy also said Woods plans to compete in the matches. That,
in itself, is a victory in the eyes of McIlroy, considering
Woods has only competed in three tournaments this season while
recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident outside Los
Angeles in February 2021.
"Who knows where we're going to see Tiger Woods play golf next,
right?" McIlroy said. "We don't know what his schedule is going
to be. We don't know how his body is going to be. But to be able
to see him still showcase his skills on prime time, on TV
without really any wear and tear on his body, I think to be able
to see Tiger hit golf shots and still sort of provide people
with a glimpse of his genius -- I think it is a really good use
of his time."
Woods said in a statement that he is looking forward to giving a
fans a different look at the sport.
"Embracing technology to create this unique environment gives us
the ability to move our sport into prime time on a consistent
basis alongside so many of sports' biggest events," Woods said.
"As a big sports fan myself, I'm excited about blending golf
with technology and team elements common in other sports.
"We all know what it's like to be in a football stadium or a
basketball arena where you can watch every play, every minute of
action unfold right in front of you. It's something that
inherently isn't possible in traditional golf -- and an aspect
of TGL that will set it apart and appeal to a new generation of
fans."
--Field Level Media
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