Rory McIlroy: TGL's City-Based Teams Will Connect With Fans Better Than LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy believes the TGL will offer superior team competition compared to LIV Golf when it launches in January. The key difference lies in the geographical connection between teams and their fan bases.
As a co-founder alongside Tiger Woods, McIlroy emphasizes that TGL's six teams will be linked to specific cities, fostering stronger fan engagement. Boston Common Golf, McIlroy's team, features local favorite Keegan Bradley, who takes pride in representing his home region.
Golfer mid-swing in blue attire
While LIV Golf incorporates team competition in its format, its teams lack regional identity, potentially limiting fan connection. The TGL aims to tap into existing sports cultures in cities like Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Florida.
Golfer mid-swing on golf course
McIlroy views TGL as complementary to traditional golf, not a replacement. "I'm still a traditionalist in a lot of ways. There's no replicating championship golf. That's always going to be around. But there are certain things we can do to innovate and appeal to a younger demographic," he explains.
The TGL kicks off on January 7th on ESPN, featuring New York Golf Club against The Bay Golf Club. Boston Common Golf debuts on January 27th against Tiger Woods's Jupiter Links Golf Club.