Originally set to launch this January, the TGL, featuring top PGA Tour players, was poised to offer a cutting-edge simulated golf experience in West Palm Gardens . However, just months before its debut, unexpected complications arose, causing league executives to delay the season by an entire year.
Significant damage to the SoFi Center's inflatable domed roof was a major factor in the postponement, disrupting Woods and McIlroy's plans for the unique league.
At the time, a statement was released saying: "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."
The statement continued: "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."
Nine months on, the delayed launch is rapidly approaching. To ensure a smooth rollout, those in charge have invested in a more permanent structure at their Florida base, as reported by The Palm Beach Post.
However, late in 2023, Woods and McIlroy faced another hurdle.
This came when Jon Rahm, one of golf's biggest stars, announced his withdrawal from the roster just weeks before transitioning to LIV Golf. The situation became even more difficult for TGL bosses when Rahm persuaded Tyrell Hatton, another member of the innovative league, to switch to Saudi Arabia.
As a result, Hatton's name was removed from the roster, despite already being assigned a spot on one of the six TGL franchises, joining McIlroy, Adam Scott, and Keegan Bradley at Boston Common. Despite the loss of Rahm and Hatton, the roster has since been filled, with Japan's Hideki Matsuyama taking the vacant spot alongside McIlroy with the Boston franchise.
Shane Lowry, McIlroy's teammate from Northern Ireland at the Olympics, also joined the start-up league this year, before the player list was officially completed. Alongside Lowry, the final three spots were taken by Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, and Ludvig Aberg.
These last four players now makeup The Bay Golf Club franchise, representing California .
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