Judging by the TV ratings and the reactions of fans on social media, TGL has impressed the golf public. Although there was primarily skepticism, considering that everything was one big unknown for golf fans, it turned out that TGL is something that this sport has needed for years.
Although the creators of this competition are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy (in cooperation with the PGA Tour), few know who is the key man in this story, the man ‘behind the screen’.
Mike McCarley, executive director of TMRW Sports, came up with the idea of launching golf as a team game during the Olympics a little more than eight years ago.
Analyzing the tournaments, he understood that most fans like the drama that reigns during the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and other team tournaments. This important figure of the golf scene realized that he had to contact Tiger Woods, and four years later he spoke with the golf icon and his agent.
Tiger had previously used golf simulators while preparing for competitions, so he realized that Tiger was familiar with such technologies.
Mike McCarley’s conversation with McIlroy: Rory had no doubts
After contact with Woods, the next stop was McIlroy. Speaking to Rory and his manager, Sean O’Flaherty, Mike shared his ideas about the adoption of technology in the world of golf. McIlroy, although wasn’t familiar with all the details, admitted that he is open to such ideas. The 35-year-old thought it would be a big deal for the sport.
TMRW Sports had to get the approval of the PGA Tour, succeeding in this, and the league subsequently became a partner of the PGA Tour.
After years of testing and development, and the creation of the largest golf simulator in the world, TGL conducted test matches.
Fans know that TGL was supposed to start operating in 2023. However, the damage to the roof at the TGL stadium influenced the leaders to postpone the competition, deciding that January 2025 will be the debut of this competition.
Tennis World USA