The virtual golf league launched by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy scheduled to start in early 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens will be delayed by a year after the venue’s roof collapsed last week.
TGL released a statement Monday saying the decision was made after discussions with players, the six team ownership groups, PGA Tour leadership and TGL’s commercial partners
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The SoFi Center, on the Palm Beach Gardens campus of Palm Beach State College, will be home to TGL, a blend of technology and in-person golf. TGL is owned by TMRW Sports Group.
A power outage Tuesday caused the arena’s dome to collapse and the remainder of the air-supported structure was deflated. There were no injuries and no damage to any technology at the 250,000-square-foot dome, according to TGL.
Woods said in a statement he remains a “believer” in TGL.
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“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,” he said. “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.”
Woods, from Jupiter Island, not only is a co-founder of TGL but he’s part of an ownership group for Jupiter Links Golf Club, one of six TGL teams, joining Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and San Francisco.
McIlroy, who lives in Jupiter, will head the Boston Common Golf team.
“The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement,” McIlroy said in a statement. “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.”
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Each of the six teams in TGL will will consist of four PGA Tour players competing head-to-head in 18-hole match play. The matches will be capped at two hours. The league was scheduled to start Jan. 9 and be televised by ESPN.
“We are disappointed with the delay but thankful that no one was injured and grateful for the overwhelming support from our athletes, teams, Palm Beach State College and business partners,” Mike McCarley, a co-founder along with Woods and McIlroy, said in a statement.
“Their steadfast belief in the success of TGL and their alignment with the decision to postpone the inaugural season will allow us to regroup and return with the best product possible at our preferred time on the sports calendar.”
Palm Beach State College president Ava Parker said the school remains committed to TGL’s success.
“We are proud of our affiliation with TMRW Sports and are committed to the success of this venture,” Parker said in a statement. “TMRW Sports and TGL are providing a unique educational opportunity, and we will strengthen our partnership as the project continues to evolve. We fully support all efforts to ensure the safe and responsible continuation of the project and its ongoing benefits to students and the communities we serve.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Virtual golf league launched by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy will be delayed one year
