Swing and Hope

Change is something many people struggle to embrace. It can be daunting, nerve-racking, and often met with the sentiment, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” This argument is common in golf, as it is in any sport. However, times change, and with that comes the opportunity for something new. While it may feel unfamiliar at first, embracing change can be exciting and even lead to something truly special.

It’s still early days, but the first night of the TGL was undoubtedly a promising start. While it was by no means perfect, that’s to be expected from something entirely new and unprecedented in professional golf. For a format that blends technology with tradition, it showcased the potential to evolve and engage a new generation of fans.

The biggest takeaway for me was how much the players seemed to enjoy themselves. There were definitely some nerves on display, particularly from New York Golf Club teammates Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick. However, once those initial nerves settled, their natural competitiveness began to shine through, reminding us just how driven these professional golfers are, no matter the format.

I think this is a crucial aspect for the TGL moving forward. If the players are genuinely enjoying themselves and letting their competitive spirit shine through on screen, viewers are far more likely to connect with that energy. Nobody wants to watch what’s supposed to be a competitive sport where the players appear disinterested or seem like they’re only there for the paycheque. Thankfully, that was not the case last night—it felt authentic, engaging, and full of passion.

I’ll admit, I was sceptical at first, and it did feel like an eternity for the action to get underway. In the coming weeks, as viewers become more familiar with the format and how the technology works, this initial learning curve should smooth out. That said, some elements felt a bit out of place—most notably the walk-ons, which seemed overly drawn out and, at times, a touch cringeworthy. I can see what they’re aiming for—building excitement and creating a lively atmosphere—but for me, it just didn’t land. Golf isn’t darts, and imagining players entering the stage in the same theatrical manner as darts players feels somewhat misplaced.

That brings me to the crowd itself. The atmosphere inside the stadium felt a bit flat overall. There were moments of energy, such as when Ludvig Åberg sank a long putt for birdie early on, but something was missing. The constant background music, in particular, felt more like a distraction than a benefit, adding little to the experience. Personally, I’d much prefer to hear the crowd fall silent before a player takes their shot—a signature element of golf that speaks volumes about the sport’s unique character and tradition.

Hearing the players discuss tactics, debate the lines on putts, and even be interviewed while “on course” was a fascinating feature. This level of insight is something golf fans will always appreciate and want more of. Perhaps there could have been more in-depth conversations, but the time restrictions imposed by the shot clock limited that. However, the shot clock itself proved to be a brilliant addition—it sped up play, kept the action moving at an exciting pace, and, most importantly, kept me fully engaged as a viewer.

Ultimately, it was a convincing win for the Bay Golf Club, with a particularly impressive performance from Ludvig Åberg. The young Swede looked calm and assured throughout, demonstrating why he’s widely regarded as one of golf’s brightest talents for the years ahead.

Next week, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods as his team, Jupiter Links GC, takes on Los Angeles Golf Club. In my view, LA GC could be one of the dark horses of the competition, with players like Tommy Fleetwood and Collin Morikawa bringing a wealth of talent and experience to the table.

There are still plenty of hurdles for the PGA Tour and TGL to overcome, but the foundations have been laid with a promising first night. If the league can continue to build on the excitement and potential it showcased, TGL could well establish itself as a major success for years to come.