TGL, the tech-infused golf league that was to launch in January and air on ESPN will be delayed one year until 2025.
Its arena, being built on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., sustained significant damage last week after a power outage. The dome structure was compromised but no injuries were reported.
The league, started by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, released an official statement explaining the decision on Monday.
“Overnight on Tuesday, Nov. 14, a failure of the temporary power system and backup systems used during construction caused the dome to deflate, which caused damage to the air-supported dome section of the site,” the statement from TGL read. “There were no injuries, and most of the technology was not impacted. 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.
“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. We have begun to update plans and timelines and are confident that the extension will only improve our delivery.”
Sports Business Journal first reported the news of the delay.
The simulator league is set to feature six teams of four PGA Tour players playing in a three-player, two-hour team format.
The air-supported dome that was under construction is approximately 250,000 square feet and will allow for an oversized simulator that will have a 46-by-64-foot screen for players to hit shots along with various other aspects including greens and bunkers. It is expected to seat 2,000 people.
The matches were set to be broadcast on ESPN starting Tuesday, Jan. 9, and playing weekly through late March.
Both organizers and players have weighed in on the unexpected delay of the tech-infused league.
“The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement,” McIlroy said. “Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. We are looking forward to the launch of TGL. Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”
Woods, who was recently announced as the first member of the Jupiter Links TGL team, also commented on the league’s new start date.
“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,” the 15-time major champion said. “Although the events of last week will force us to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.”
