Tiger Woods to own and play for Florida team in virtual golf league
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Tiger Woods has not competed since he withdrew from the Masters in April.
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LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods will headline the ownership group of the sixth and final team in the prime-time, tech-focused indoor golf league (TGL) in which he will also compete, the league said on Tuesday.
The team, named Jupiter Links Golf Club, will begin play in January when TGL launches its inaugural season at a custom-built arena in south Florida that will feature a massive simulator screen and an adjustable putting surface.
Former world No. 1 Woods has not competed since he withdrew from the US Masters in April due to injury later underwent fusion surgery on his right ankle
“Through its use of technology, TGL is a modern twist of traditional golf and ultimately will make the sport I love more accessible,” the 47-year-old said.
“Having the opportunity to not only compete, but also own a team to represent Jupiter is an exciting next chapter for me. I expect Jupiter Links GC to showcase the golf culture of my home town as we compete against the best players in the world.”
The American, a 15-time Major champion widely considered the greatest golfer of his generation, is the only player announced so far for the Jupiter Links team.
The team’s ownership group also includes David Blitzer, who founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and is a co-owner of Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians, the National Football League’s Washington Commanders and a general partner of Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The other four-man teams competing in the 15-match regular season that will determine which four advance to the play-offs are Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club, TGL New York and TGL San Francisco.
Before each match, teams will name three players each to compete in 15-hole contests featuring alternate-shot and singles play.
The TGL will give fans a chance to see Woods again, who is no longer feeling pain in his surgically repaired right ankle, but that does not mean he is ready to get back on the course.
He also said on Tuesday that the other areas of his right leg are still giving him problems, as speculation has swirled around when he will play competitive golf again.
“My ankle is fine. Where they fused my ankle, I have absolutely zero issue whatsoever,” Woods added. “That pain is completely gone. It’s the other areas that have been compensated for.”
He faces a similar issue after having fusion surgery on his back which repaired the L5 and S1 vertebrae.
“All the surrounding areas is where I had all my problems and I still do. So you fix one, others have to become more hypermobile to get around it, and it can lead to some issues.” REUTERS
