Key Developments to Watch as TGL Prepares to Launch Its Second Season

The second season of the TGL league is set to begin on Sunday with a thrilling rematch of the SoFi Cup finals. Last season’s champions, Atlanta Drive GC, will face off again against New York Golf Club after close, one-point matches decided the inaugural title. The competition remains intense as six teams prepare for a season packed with innovation and skill.

The rosters remain unchanged, but notable absences include Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas, both recovering from back surgeries and unlikely to compete at the start. Woods, approaching his 50th birthday, is expected to participate spectatively by attending Jupiter Links GC matches and providing live commentary while wearing a microphone. Fans can watch all matches on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN+.

Expanded and Enhanced GreenZone Putting Surface

One of the biggest upgrades this season is the GreenZone putting surface, which has grown by 38% in size. Its area expanded from 3,800 to 5,270 square feet, now featuring 12 hole locations instead of seven. This expansion allows for more dynamic putting challenges and strategy variations.

TGL has upgraded the putting surface with 608 actuators that morph the terrain, and two virtual greens under the turf increased by 60 square feet provide a realistic full-swing experience. Wyndham Clark of The Bay Golf Club praised the changes, highlighting improved consistency and easier reading of the green. The addition of grain-laid turf towards the center eliminates former shot difficulties, allowing chips and approach shots to roll more predictably toward the hole.

Distinctive Signature Holes for Each Team

Every team now has a unique signature hole designed by prominent golf architects including Gil Hanse and Nicklaus Design. These holes add personality and home-field advantage. For example, The Bay Golf Club’s "Bay Breaker" showcases iconic Bay Area features like redwoods and the San Francisco skyline.

These custom holes are integrated into regular matches when teams face their designated home clubs. The variety ranges from a par-5 "Stone & Steeple" with cross bunkers and graveyard visuals to a par-4 "Stinger" encouraging low stinger shots around natural rock formations. Incorporation of virtual elements lets the league blend traditional golf with an advanced video game feel, adding excitement for viewers and players alike.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Broadcast Enhancements

This season introduces advanced shot comparison graphics powered by Virtual Eye technology. This system tracks ball trajectories on fairways and greens, delivering data-rich augmented reality visuals that compare shot quality against averages and historical bests.

The SoFi Center is equipped with 79 cameras capturing every angle, including the return of the award-winning SmartPin Cam. New perspectives like reverse shots from fairways to tees and aerial views above greens enhance the broadcast experience. These innovations combine to create an immersive and informative viewing atmosphere.

Team Lineups for the Season

1. Atlanta Drive GC: Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover
2. Boston Common Golf: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama
3. Jupiter Links GC: Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner
4. Los Angeles Golf Club: Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala
5. New York Golf Club: Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young
6. The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry

Upcoming Schedule Highlights

The regular season runs from late December to early March with each team playing five matches. Key matchups include the season opener between New York Golf Club and Atlanta Drive GC, and pivotal contests like Boston Common Golf vs. Los Angeles Golf Club in early January. The schedule also features multiple doubleheaders, maximizing excitement and competition.

Following the regular season, the SoFi Cup playoffs take place mid-March with semifinal matches followed by the finals series broadcast across ESPN networks. This structured format ensures a clear pathway from season play to championship decider.

The second season of TGL promises significant advancements in gameplay design, technology integration, and team rivalry narratives. Fans can expect a high-tech, competitive indoor golf experience that blends immersive physical play with virtual enhancements. As players adapt to the larger putting surfaces and new strategic elements, the league aims to elevate its entertainment value and showcase the evolving landscape of professional golf.