My Take: Why TGL is Perfect for Today’s Fan

Written by: Brendon Elliot

 

As a seasoned PGA Professional, I’ve always embraced the serenity and challenge of traditional golf, whether playing or watching on TV, streaming, or on my phone. But let’s be honest—the sport has been losing its grip on the audience of younger, tech-focused generations. It has even been losing the older, more seasoned golf fan. You can blame the Tiger hangover or the PGA TOUR vs. LIV rift; no matter what it may be, golf viewership has been struggling for some time. You may see a blip here or there, especially if TW makes one of his many “comebacks,” but, for the most part, the game needs a shot in the arm. Enter the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), a game-changer that perfectly fits our modern age with its tech-infused, fast-paced version of golf.

 

What the Heck is TGL Anyway?

For those who haven’t heard yet, TGL stands for the Tomorrow Golf League, a fresh and innovative approach to the game. It’s where traditional golf meets digital and immersive experiences, creating a dynamic way to play and watch golf. TGL combines advanced technology with the sport’s enduring appeal, offering a more engaging experience for fans and players alike. Featuring high-energy environments and quicker gameplay, TGL aims to enhance golf’s appeal to contemporary audiences, particularly those accustomed to the fast pace of modern entertainment.

 

Why I’m Excited About TGL

The beauty of TGL lies in its fresh approach to presenting the game. We all adore the classic rounds of golf, but to hook new viewers and, eventually, players, the game needs a little more excitement and energy. TGL offers just that: it sharply contrasts the traditional format by integrating technology and speed, breathing new life into the sport, and draining those who might otherwise overlook it.

One lesson traditional golf can take from TGL is the tempo. Imagine incorporating a shot clock into traditional golf—it’s not just a whimsical idea but a potential solution to a long-standing problem: the game’s sluggish pace. Such an adaptation could streamline play, making it more engaging for players and spectators without sacrificing the strategy and precision we all value.

TGL could be a stepping stone for budding golfers. By embracing on-screen golf, the potential to introduce new people to the game is immense. TGL serves as an accessible entry point for getting newbies interested and inviting novices to experience golf’s thrill in an approachable and exciting way. True, you won’t get the same experience we are seeing the stars of the PGA TOUR getting when they play at the SoFi Center weekly in TGL matches, but plenty of similar entry ramps mirror a TGL-like experience. Screen Golf, Topgolf, TopTracer Ranges, and more can fulfill that close-to-TGL feel. 

 

TGL: The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The real challenge and opportunity for us professionals is to bridge the gap—translating that newfound enthusiasm from TGL into a love for playing on actual golf courses. But, ah, that’s a topic for another day! In the meantime, let’s celebrate how TGL is expanding the horizons of golf, making it vibrant and relevant for future generations.

 

 

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is a multiple award-winning Golf Professional based in Central Florida. He is the 2017 PGA of America’s National Youth Player Development Award Winner and is the recipient of more than 25 other industry awards with a focus on Coaching & Education. He is considered by his peers as an industry expert on topics ranging from Jr. Golf Development to Operations to Industry Sustainability. He is the founder of the Little Linksters Golf Academies and the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, a 501c3 nonprofit also based out of Central Florida. Brendon is also a freelance golf writer for PGA.com, Golf Range Magazine and several other golf websites and blogs. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. You can learn more about Brendon at BrendonElliott.com and Little Linksters at littlelinksters.com.

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