Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's innovative golf circuit TGL has announced that the league's launch will be delayed by one year, following damage to the setup's stadium in Palm Beach.
TGL was set to officially launch on January 9, but the stadium-based league have now confirmed that the circuit's maiden event will not take place until 2025. A statement read: "Overnight on Tuesday, November 14, a failure of the temporary power system and backup systems used during construction caused the dome to deflate, which caused damage to the air-supported dome section of the site.
"There were no injuries, and most of the technology was not impacted. Following discussions with key partners, including players, our six team ownership groups, PGA TOUR leadership and our commercial partners, SoFi, ESPN and Palm Beach State College, the decision has been made to postpone the start of the TGL season until early 2025.
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"This decision came after reviewing short-term solutions, potential construction timelines, player schedules, and the primetime sports television calendar. Despite this new timeline for the venue, we remain excited about the future of TGL and will continue to build excitement between now and the start of the season with our players, fans and teams."
The delay is a huge blow for all those involved with TGL, most notably co-founders Woods and McIlroy. On the back of the setback McIlroy himself released a statement, admitting that whilst the delay was far from ideal, he was still excited with what was to come in 2025.
“The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement," McIlroy said. "Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. We are looking forward to the launch of TGL. Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”
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A similar sentiment was shared by Woods who added: "I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world. Although the events of last week will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.”
Prior to the stadium fault the innovative circuit had provided a whole host of updates in the build-up to their initial scheduled launch date. Late last month TGL announced its format and rules for its maiden season, with 24 players across six teams competing across a 15-week season through 'Modern Match Day'. In the days following a number of players were assigned to one of the six rosters, including McIlroy.
The four-time major winner was assigned to play for Boston Common, joining Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, as well as fellow PGA Tour stars Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley. Co-founder, Woods meanwhile was announced as the first member of Jupiter Links GC, with the 47-year-old acting as a player-owner on the Florida-based team.
Despite having 24 players confirmed, TGL were dealt a huge roster blow earlier this month after it was announced Masters champion Jon Rahm had opted to pull out of the league just two months before the launch. Announcing his decision on X, Rahm wrote: "I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season.
"While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer. Best of luck to everyone involved and may the best team win!" Since Woods and McIlroy's setup are yet to announce a replacement, but their lengthy delay will now give them more time to nail down a 24th player.
The action is all set to take place inside the SoFi Center, which will seat 1,600 spectators. Those competing are set to their shots into a 64 feet high by 46 feet across screen, which is around 20 times larger than a regular golf simulator.
Despite being away from the golf courses, players will hit off grass tee boxes, fairway area and rough, as well as a sand-filled trap for bunker shots. When it comes to their short game competitors will then hit chip shots and putts on the in-house green area labelled the 'Green Zone'.