Mixing modern tech with ancient traditions can get messy. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy co-founded TGL, a tech-driven golf league that aims to transform the game by fusing live play with virtual experiences. Even though the concept seemed audacious, reality had other ideas.
It all began in November 2023 when the dome of their Florida venue collapsed due to a power system issue, forcing a one-year delay in the league’s much-awaited debut. Additionally, things weren’t exactly going smoothly when play started in January 2025. Inaccurate simulators, erratic ball tracking, and green complexes that didn’t precisely replicate real-world circumstances were challenges for players. Just when critics were ready to call TGL a flop, an insider stepped in to set the record straight—and things got interesting. So, what does this individual have to say, and who is this? Let’s dive in!
Simulator Error: The Divot Conundrum
An odd event involving Tommy Fleetwood in a recent TGL match raised questions about the league’s equipment. Competitors and observers were confused when Fleetwood made an apparently flawless shot, but the simulator’s monitoring system misinterpreted the scenario. The underlying cause? It was a divot that went farther than expected.
In a recent interview with Golf Digest 75, Andrew Macaulay, the Chief Technology Officer at TGL, provided insight into the incident in question. The device, which was intended to track objects in flight, unintentionally followed the divot rather than the ball, he clarified. “In this case, Tommy had an amazing divot. It was beautifully formed. It flew 20 yards along the arc of a golf ball,” Macaulay remarked. The divot was interpreted by the technology as the ball, which resulted in an incorrect reading.
You know, mixing tech and sports isn’t as easy as it sounds. Simulators are cool and all, but they just can’t mimic real-game stuff like divots. Although safeguards against such mistakes are in place, Macaulay stressed that this specific situation managed to get through. “There’s tons of logic in there to prevent that from happening… Unfortunately, it got by that,” he added.
TGL lets players re-hit without penalties if there’s a tech glitch. Fleetwood got another shot, and the tech team’s using this to make the system even better. “We’re taking this particular example… and feeding that back. The system’s learning from that too.” Macaulay explained. TGL’s still learning the tech game, but it’s getting somewhere. Supporters can anticipate a more seamless experience, and with the attempt to improve, another tale of resiliency, legacy, and an emotional return to the game emerges. Let’s take a closer look at this!
Tiger Woods’s victorious comeback amid a personal tragedy
After the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods is set to return to TGL, showing his quiet determination. Woods was greatly affected by her passing on February 4th, which caused him to drop out of the Genesis Invitational this year. He said he was “just not ready,” expressing his sorrow.
So, like, Woods is playing in the next TGL match in Palm Beach Gardens, even with all his issues. That’s commitment right there. He loves the game and his league. There’s good hype around Jupiter Links vs. New York Golf Club, no pressure though.
During this difficult time, Woods has received support from the golf community. In honor of Kultida Woods, the Genesis Invitational organizers placed a white flag on the seventh hole, symbolic of her religion. As a further tribute to Tida, players wore crimson pin badges that said ‘For Tida’ during the final round.
His return to TGL isn’t just about staying dedicated; it shows how uplifting the league’s atmosphere really is. As he returns to the course, supporters and other athletes are reminded of how athletics can bring people together despite personal hardship.
