TGL Season 2: Exciting Innovations and Star-Studded Lineup to Elevate Indoor Golf
The innovative indoor golf league TGL, presented by SoFi, returns on December 28 for an electrifying Season 2. Following a successful inaugural season where Atlanta Drive GC clinched the championship, this new season promises a range of enhancements aimed at elevating the tension and excitement of the game.
Season 2 Launch: The Champions’ Rematch
Kicking off with a thrilling rematch, the defending champions Atlanta Drive GC will take on New York Golf Club. This match will be broadcast on ABC at 3 p.m. ET, marking TGL’s debut on national television. Fans can look forward to 15 regular season matches leading up to the playoffs scheduled for March.
Key Match Schedule
- December 28: Atlanta Drive vs. New York Golf Club at 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- January 2: Boston Common Golf vs. Los Angeles Golf Club at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- January 6: The Bay Golf Club vs. Atlanta Drive at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- January 13: Jupiter Links GC vs. New York Golf Club at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
A Bigger, Better Green Complex
One of the standout changes for Season 2 is the enlargement of the GreenZone, where players chip, pitch, and putt in front of a live audience. The putting surface has expanded by 38% to 5,270 square feet, mirroring an average PGA Tour green.
New Features Include:
- Increased Pin Locations: 12 different locations, up from seven in Season 1.
- Enhanced Visuals: Softer undulations for more natural slopes, improving sightlines for fans.
- Bunker Modifications: One bunker was removed, while the other two were expanded by 50%, providing greater challenge for recovery shots.
Furthermore, the hitting boxes for players have been enlarged, allowing for improved shot execution into the 64-foot-wide screen.
Innovative Hole Designs
TGL’s hole designs garnered significant attention in Season 1, particularly those crafted by architect Agustin Pizá. Season 2 features bold new designs that include:
- “Stinger”: A 270-yard par 4 that rewards players who can keep their ball below 50 feet in height.
- “Cenote”: A par 3 at 245 yards that encourages precise long-iron shots, with a unique backboard mechanism for those who want to play aggressively.
Additionally, renowned architect Gil Hanse joins the design team with his own stroke of genius. His first hole, “Stone & Steeple,” is a 590-yard par 5, featuring dramatic bunkers and a visual penalty area.
Technology Enhancements
This season, TGL has upgraded its game engine to Unity 6, leveraging the High Definition Render Pipeline for improved visual fidelity. Enhancements will also enable better data presentation, including real-time analytics on key metrics like ball speed and launch angle, making the viewing experience more engaging for fans.
High-Profile Teams in Season 2
TGL’s Season 2 features a diverse lineup of teams led by commendable talent, including:
- Atlanta Drive GC: Featuring Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, and Lucas Glover.
- Boston Common Golf: Stars include Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, and Adam Scott.
- Jupiter Links Golf Club: Headlined by the legendary Tiger Woods, alongside young talents like Max Homa and Tom Kim.
- Los Angeles Golf Club: Highlights include Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood.
- New York Golf Club: Last season’s runners-up with athletes like Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler.
- The Bay Golf Club: Features a blend of international stars like Shane Lowry and Wyndham Clark.
What Fans Can Expect
The enhancements in Season 2 reflect TGL’s commitment to continuous improvement. The enlarged green and updated holes introduce strategic depth to the competition, while technology advancements offer a more immersive viewing experience.
With tickets now available through Ticketmaster, fans can opt for premium seating or enjoy the games from home. Each match broadcasts live on ESPN networks, providing thrilling winter entertainment.
As TGL prepares for its December 28 kick-off, fans can expect an exciting blend of high-stakes competition and innovative golf unlike anything seen before. The excitement is palpable—golf’s most innovative league is ready to return.
