So remember how Rickie Fowler recently said that TGL, the innovative new golf league, isn’t “real golf”? Well, Billy Horschel, an 8-time PGA Tour pro, recently shared his first impressions of TGL which is set to launch on 7th January 2025. And if you don’t live under a rock you already know the shockwaves this new tech-infused golf league by legendary Tiger Woods has been sending in the golf world. As someone who’s spent years competing at the highest level, Horschel’s take on TGL’s scale and ambition is worth listening to. He’s been around the block a few times, and his thoughts on what makes TGL tick are pretty insightful.
In the latest YouTube video by Fore Play Podcast, Horschel recalled his initial reaction to TGL’s futuristic setup. He walked into the arena and was immediately blown away by the sheer scale of the thing. “I was speechless,” he admitted. “I mean, I was really was… the size of it, the screen and everything.” He likened the experience to walking into a major sports arena, like Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Fenway Park. You can almost picture him walking out onto the “course”, looking around in awe at the giant screens and video boards. It’s a pretty cool image, and it’s easy to see why Horschel was so impressed.
For Horschel, TGL’s grandeur is a key part of its appeal. He loved the energy of the place, the way the lights and music seemed to amp up the excitement. “You see this five-story screen, you see the video boards around you, you see your name, you see all the lights and everything going crazy… it’s pretty cool,” he exclaimed. As he reflected on the experience, Horschel noted that TGL’s scale is reminiscent of what NBA stars like Stephen Curry must feel like when they take the court.
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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 15, 2021; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Billy Horschel tees off on the ninth hole during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s similar to what these other athletes and sports feel like when you’re walking into this arena,” he said. It’s a fascinating perspective, and it’s clear that Horschel is excited to see where TGL goes from here.
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Billy Horschel on what sets TGL apart
As the PGA Tour season gears up, all eyes are on TGL, the new golf league set to debut in 2025. With 24 top players, including Billy Horschel, competing in a unique team format, TGL promises to shake things up. The league’s innovative setup features a giant screen, simulated lies, and actual greens, adding a fresh twist to the traditional tournament format. Horschel, part of Atlanta Drive GC alongside Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, is excited to bring a new level of entertainment to the game.
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But Horschel acknowledges that TGL’s approach might not appeal to all traditional golf fans. Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, he emphasized that TGL is all about embracing the entertainment side of golf. “We need to be vulnerable, show more of ourselves, and not be afraid to poke fun at each other,” he said. While some viewers might not appreciate the banter, Horschel believes it’s what fans want to see – a more relaxed, buddy-like atmosphere that’s reminiscent of playing with friends at the local club. So, what do you think about TGL? Let us know in the comment section below!
