Simply 50 days earlier than the primary TGL occasion was scheduled to be performed the brand new tech-infused golf league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has introduced play will probably be postponed till early 2025.
In accordance with the league, a brief energy system and its backup system triggered the SoFi Middle dome – the host venue that was nonetheless below development for TGL matches on the campus of Palm Seashore State School – to deflate in a single day on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Whereas the air-supported dome part of the venue was broken, there have been no accidents and the league reviews that many of the know-how was not impacted.
A league assertion famous the choice was made after the evaluation of short-term options, potential development timelines, participant schedules and the primetime sports activities tv calendar. TGL matches had been slated to be broadcast by ESPN beginning Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, the day after the School Football Playoff Nationwide Championship.
“The postponement brings combined emotions of disappointment and pleasure. Above all, we’re pleased that nobody was injured. We’re wanting ahead to the launch of TGL,” McIlroy stated. “Given the circumstances, whereas the delay is disappointing, the postponement will permit us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”
“I’ve been a believer in TGL, and because the momentum has constructed this previous yr, I’m much more enthusiastic about what this may turn into for followers of the sport all all over the world,” Woods added. “Though the occasions of final week will power us to make changes to our timelines, I’m absolutely assured that this idea will probably be delivered to life by our nice dedicated gamers.”
Jon Rahm, the primary participant to hitch co-founders Woods and McIlroy, backed out of the league in earlier this month by saying, “Whereas I nonetheless suppose it’s a terrific alternative, proper now it could require a stage of dedication that I can’t provide.”
The league will characteristic six groups of 4 PGA Tour gamers who will compete in 15 common season matches adopted by semifinal and last matches.
ESPN launched an announcement from Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Government Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions: “We’re companions with TGL and absolutely assist their determination. We’ve believed in them and their imaginative and prescient from the start, and that has not modified. The extra time to plan, check and rehearse will solely make it higher. We look ahead to launching the inaugural season on ESPN.”
