Mcilroy and Woods’ TGL tee-off put back to 2025

Just seven weeks before a planned glitzy launch, Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy suffered a huge blow to their indoor golf league when its tee-off was put back until 2025. The TGL was due to begin in Palm Beach Gardens on Jan 9, with live TV events to run on a succession of Mondays before its £18million grand finale the week before the Masters in April. As well as Woods and Mcilroy, 22 of the leading players – including Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood – have been contracted for the project that is viewed as a direct response to the LIV Golf League. However, the 1,600-capacity arena that had been constructed near the homes of Woods and Mcilroy in south Florida collapsed last week, after the failure of a power system caused the dome to deflate, leaving the schedule too tight. Instead of embarking on a race to make repairs to the construction and cutting corners to ensure there was at least a partial calendar, TGL, and broadcasting partner ESPN, decided to shelve it for a year. Critics will inevitably be lining up to ridicule the TGL – officially licensed by the PGA Tour – when it does start, with its simulator about 20 times larger than standard and a “green zone” that will allow a variety of shots to a swivelling putting surface. “It has to work and look good or it will be slaughtered,” an industry insider said. “TGL and the tour don’t want it to be a laughing stock, and, in the midst of the ‘merger’ negotiations, essentially a PR gimme to LIV.” Woods and Mcilroy both tried to put a positive spin on the setback, which will likely cost their venture eight-figure sums. A fortnight ago, world No3 Jon Rahm pulled out after originally committing. Mcilroy said: “Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. While the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”