Page 47 - AM231124
P. 47
Friday, 24 November 2023 SPORTS 15
Setback for Tiger Woods/Rory McIlroy Golf League
as Facility Damage Forces Postponement to 2025
THE highly anticipated TGL (Technology Golf League), this delay. McIlroy’s statement conveyed a mix of disappoint-
backed by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy along ment and excitement, underscoring the relief that no inju-
with prominent investors, is facing a delay in its debut from ries occurred. He stated, “Given the circumstances, while
early next year to 2025. The setback follows substantial the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us
damage to the tournament facility located in Palm Beach, to regroup, refocus, and return stronger.”
Florida.
Despite the setback, ESPN, the intended broadcaster for TGL
Last Tuesday, the facility’s dome suffered a collapse due to a matches, affirmed its ongoing commitment to the project.
power failure, leading to extensive damage. Although there Rosalyn Durant, ESPN EVP of Programming, expressed
were no reported injuries and the majority of the cutting- support for TGL’s decision, highlighting their belief in the
edge technology within the facility remained unaffected, the league’s vision and emphasizing that the additional time for
collapse prompted TGL officials to reassess their timeline. planning and preparation will enhance the overall experi-
Considering the need for repairs, player availability coordi- ence.
nation, and broadcast scheduling, the decision was made to
postpone the league’s launch until 2025. TGL was conceived as a groundbreaking prime-time team
weeknight golf event, spanning the period between the new
Drone footage capturing the aftermath of the collapsed year and the Masters tournament. The league format involved
dome highlights the magnitude of the devastation and the six teams, each comprised of four players, competing in
extensive repair work required to restore the facility to oper- a technology-enhanced facility before a live audience.
ational status. Significant ownership stakes in all six franchise teams were
Statements released by TGL featured expressions of confi- held by prominent figures from the NFL, MLB, and other
dence from Woods, McIlroy, and other stakeholders, empha- sports. The delay reflects the challenges of balancing tech-
sizing their belief that the league will emerge stronger after nological ambitions with unforeseen operational obstacles.
