The Bay Golf Club ran out 9-2 winners over New York Golf Club in the opening match, with Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg and Wyndham Clark picking up impressive victories
After a year-long wait, the indoor league TGL, founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, finally kicked off at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens on Tuesday. The Bay Golf Club dominated the opening night with a comfortable 9-2 victory over New York Golf Club.
Shane Lowry was the man who hit the first tee shot, setting the tone for a successful night for him, Ludvig Aberg, and Wyndham Clark, who easily defeated Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick.
It was a night of many firsts for both the league and men’s professional golf. Here are six key points from the match-up you might have missed.
First tee nerves
Many questioned how much the players would care about competing in the simulator-based league.
This was quickly dispelled just minutes into the broadcast. First tee nerves are common at every level of golf, whether it’s a group of high handicappers playing weekend golf or the most seasoned pro stood on the first tee at a Ryder Cup.
Lowry, who is no stranger to pressure, couldn’t hide his nerves when he was given the honour of hitting the first tee shot of the TGL era. Fortunately for him, the Irishman played a smart baby draw right down the middle to start things off.
Shane Lowry had a chuckle while recounting his slightly shaky start to ESPN, admitting, “Yeah I know,” followed by laughter. “I forgot to get a tee as well, there was all sorts going on. I was a little bit nervous, thank god the screen is big.”
The Hammer
Golf fans were getting their heads around various new rules, with ‘The Hammer’ being one of the most prominent additions.
In the Heat’s tactics, the innovative rule which doubles the value of a hole caught attention. According to the rules, if ‘The Hammer’ is thrown in before tee shots, it can’t be turned down by the opponents, but if the hole has already started, the opposing team can refuse, costing them a point for that hole.
The Bay skillfully deployed this strategy on the third, while New York saw their Hammer attempt tied on the seventh.
Tiger Magic
Woods, although absent from round one, still managed to cast some of his legendary magic by completing an impressive feat off the course.
Practicing on a simulator, he accepted a challenge from the tech crew to hit the camera positioned at the top of the screen – Woods succeeded with just a single attempt, a moment caught on camera for posterity.
Rickie Fowler and his team shake hands ( Image: AP)
Fowler’s flag throw
Rickie Fowler left golf enthusiasts holding their breath for a moment during the match when he tossed the flag in Lowry’s path while making a putt. However, it was all in good fun as Fowler had already conceded the putt to Lowry, and The Bay continued its march.
Hole design
There were initial doubts about the eccentricity of some of the holes, with one even featuring lava in the penalty area. However, they turned out to be popular with both players and fans.
It allowed some of the world’s best players to showcase their creativity like never before, with water hazards and bunkers in previously unseen locations. Like any new venture, there were bound to be some growing pains, but if the course setup is anything to go by, then TGL has started on the right foot in season one, episode one.
