Wyndham Clark up for new challenge in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s indoor golf league
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Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (above) and Tiger Woods has founded the TGL, which will launch on Jan 7.
PHOTO: AFP
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MIAMI – Wyndham Clark is no stranger to the big stage but on Dec 18, the 2023 US Open champion stepped onto one unlike any other, as he helped introduce the venue that will host the tech-infused indoor team golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
During a media day at Florida’s purpose-built SoFi Centre where all TGL matches will take place, Clark, Rickie Fowler and Billy Horschel were introduced and arrived on the playing surface amid music, smoke and flashing lights.
It was a far cry from the typical player introductions seen at the first tee of events on the PGA Tour, where Clark is a three-time winner, but TGL is entering uncharted territory when it launches on Jan 7.
“This is something new and innovative that is going to really help grow the game of golf,” said Clark. “It will give people a new perspective of us in a different arena where it’s more intimate and you kind of get to see our personalities.”
Following the player introductions, Horschel sent practice shots at the towering screen to show how the ball reacts once the display takes over. He also showed how players will hit from fairway bunkers, greenside bunkers and putt.
After that, Clark faced Fowler in a one-hole match during which they utilised the 40-second shot clock that will be used during TGL play and made birdie that, in real play, would have secured his team – The Bay Golf Club – a point.
TGL, founded in 2022 by Woods and McIlroy’s TMRW Sports in partnership with the PGA Tour, was originally set to launch in January 2024 but was delayed after the dome of the host facility was damaged.
Woods, who is a part owner of Jupiter Links Golf Club, is expected to make his TGL debut on Jan 14. McIlroy is part of the Boston Common Golf team and their first match is on Jan 27 against Woods’ squad.
The prime-time golf league will feature six teams of four PGA Tour members competing in a fast-paced form of team golf and see players hit shots at a five-storey-high simulator screen before moving to an adjustable putting surface.
“We really wanted to keep one foot firmly planted in the traditional game and there’s an element of that if you look at the competition,” said TMRW Sports chief executive officer Mike McCarley.
“But with the other foot we really wanted to try and bring the game more into the future and embrace technology, which from the very early conversations with Tiger and Rory both of them shared that thesis.” REUTERS
