NFL
By: Maya-Reyes Brooks
I’m back and couldn’t have picked a better week to do so. Tomorrow night, golf gets something new.
The Who
WTGL is the women’s version of TGL, built by TWRW Sports, the company behind the men’s league and founded by Tiger Woods and Roy McIIroy in partnership with the LPGA. The league’s five founding teams are Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club, Motor City Golf Club, and New York. It brings together 25 of the world’s best players, including Lydia Ko, Michelle Wie West, Rose Zhang, Lottie Woad, Yuka Saso, Jeeno Thitikul and Ruoning Yin. Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson are also in the mix. World No. 1 Nelly Korda sits out the first season, citing concerns about structure, logistics and time commitment. Her absence is a story worth watching
The What and the How?
The format is the same as the TGL: three players per match, a regular season, two semi-finals and best-of-three championship matches. Matches are played in a custom-built arena at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, mixing real golf with simulator technology. Two teams go in, and about two hours later, one comes out the winner. There are no four-day grinds and no waiting around for a leaderboard to shake out. It’s head-to-head, and it moves.
The Why
Simple women’s golf is tripping with talent and needs more ways to showcase it product and players. The league is heavy on mic’ed up moments, shot data and my favorite analytics all broadcast long. We get to see and know the people behind the swings which I for one love. Thitikulsaid the pace and use of tech will grab new eyeballs to the sport. That is the goal here NEW eyes not just the ones who are already watching.
And TGL Itself?
Haven’t tried it yet? well here is my pitch for you. TGL is for people with short attention spans and big opinions. The Atlanta Drive beat New York GC last season to win the title and to me that finish felt like a real playoff game, not some Sunday stroll. The league has grown fast adding team number 7 Motor City in season 3. The numbers are backing up the buzz as well research cited by TMRW Sports found 10% of entrenched PGA Tour fans reported watching more tour golf because of TGL’s first season. A format that sends viewers back to the traditional tour is doing something right. It also drew younger fans and people unfamiliar with traditional golf coverage that is what we want.
Why Should You Watch?
It’s short, loud, and easy to follow. You know the stars, learn the new faces, and by the second match you will have a favorite team trust me. WTGL also arrives at a time of significant growth for women’s sports, and that momentum is real. Watching early lets you say I was there when this thing started. Tune in tomorrow, I’ll be watching. And I will have plenty to say. See you, at the turn.
