PGA Tour star Shane Lowry weighed-in on the opening night of TGL golf after his side sealed a comfortable win during the new golf league’s debut.
The Bay Golf Club defeated Xander Schauffele’s New York Golf club at the SoFi arena in West Palm Beach Gardens on Tuesday night by a score of 9-2.
The Offaly native and teammates Ludvig Åberg and Wyndham Clark made light work of Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick.
The golf league was postponed for a year until 2025 after the purpose-built Sofi Arena sustained severe damage as the white roof had fallen through after a storm.
And despite mixed reactions to the opening night from fans on social media, Lowry hopes fans enjoyed the all-new high-tech venture.
The 2019 Open champion took to social media as he praised the rules and format of the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy league.
TGL combines virtual golf with the real deal as competitors aim their tee and approach shots at a 60 foot screen which mimics whichever course they’re ‘playing’.
A strict 40-second shot clock is enforced for each player, and penalties are applied for exceeding the time limit, encouraging quick decisions and maintaining the match’s tempo.
He said: “Great being part of last night’s @tglgolf launch. From the build out, pace of play, competition and banter with the lads.
“As I start my 17th year on Tour, I love the big weeks and atmosphere playing in front of big crowds.
“That’s what excites me about TGL. Last night was something different and something fun. Hopefully fans enjoyed it. I certainly did.”
A whopping $21 million purse is up for grabs, with a $9 million payout awarded to the winning team at the end of the season.
That $2.25 million for each of the four players on the winning team at the season’s end.
TGL SHEDULE
Regular season
January 7: New York GC v The Bay GC
January 14: Los Angeles GC v Jupiter Links GC
January 21: New York GC v Atlanta Drive GC
January 27: Jupiter Links GC v Boston Common GC
February 4: Boston Common GC v Los Angeles GC
February 17: Atlanta Drive GC v Los Angeles GC, Atlanta Drive GC v The Bay GC, The Bay GC v Boston Common GC
February 18: Jupiter Links GC v New York GC
February 24: Los Angeles GC v New York GC, Boston Common GC v Atlanta Drive GC
February 25: The Bay GC v Jupiter Links GC
March 3: The Bay GC v Los Angeles GC, New York GC v Boston Common GC
March 4: Jupiter Links GC v Atlanta Drive GC
Post-Season
Semifinals: March 17, March 18
Finals Series: March 24, March 25
