Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s TGL debut will have to wait “until early 2025,” following last week’s collapse of the dome that was scheduled to host the league.
According to a statement from TGL, the “decision came after reviewing short-term solutions, potential construction timelines, player schedules, and the primetime sports television calendar.”
The made-for-television league was slated to begin on Jan. 9, 2024, at the SoFi Center, a custom-built arena on the campus of Palm Beach [Fla.] State College, but a partial power failure last Tuesday caused the dome to deflate.
“There were no injuries, and most of the technology was not impacted,” the TGL statement read.
The six-team league will include weekly matches in an arena featuring a simulator about 20 times larger than a standard simulator and a “green zone” that will allow a variety of shots to an adjustable putting surface.
“I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world,” Woods said in a statement. “Although the events of last week will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.”
McIlroy, a co-founder of the league with Woods and Mike McCarley, added, “Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”