PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Tiger Woods made a memorable entrance for his highly anticipated debut in TGL on Tuesday night, stepping out of the tunnel as the sixth and final player, greeted not with an announcement but with the iconic tune “Eye of the Tiger” playing loudly in the background. It was clear to everyone in attendance at SoFi Center, part of Palm Beach State College, who he was, along with the history he shares with Rory McIlroy and other players in bringing indoor golf to the television format. “It is a reality now,” Woods remarked about this groundbreaking event.
During the second week of TGL, Woods teamed up with fellow players Kevin Kisner and Max Homa, representing the Jupiter Links Golf Club, to challenge the Los Angeles Golf Club, which consisted of Justin Rose, Collin Morikawa, and Sahith Theegala. The match unfolded over 15 holes with a variety of formats, ultimately concluding with a score of Los Angeles 12, Jupiter 1. Despite the overwhelming outcome, Woods maintained a cheerful demeanor throughout the two-hour event, taking just 20 shots. “We were entertaining,” he reflected, laughing even after the unfavorable result. “We hit a lot of shots. I think the people there got to see how bad pros can be. It was just a boat race, oh my goodness. But we had a great time.”
Woods’ team fell significantly behind early, quickly losing 5-0, but managed to make a comeback momentarily when Woods sank an 8-footer for par on the fifth hole, which followed a missed 7-footer just the hole before. Tennis icon Serena Williams, who is also part of the ownership group for the Los Angeles Golf Club, was caught between cheering for her friend Woods and rooting for her team on the ESPN broadcast.
Nighttime play showcased Woods’ talent alongside moments of frustration; he displayed classic skills while the ultra-modern video boards painted a vivid picture of each shot’s potential outcome, although he was left shaking his head after his wedge shot landed in the water on hole two, prompting laughter from his son, Charlie, who watched from the stands. “This is unique. This is something that golf has never seen before,” Woods stated, praising the inventive setup that allowed players to entertain fans and enjoy each other’s company in a competitive environment.
The laughter continued, notably when Kisner sent a shot from the sand crashing against the pin, causing his teammates to dodge for cover. “We honestly didn’t think that anyone could possibly get hit in here,” Woods commented afterward, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere. Woods wished the audience would stick around until the very end of the match, humorously referencing the concurrent game between Duke and Miami, suggesting that fans might still tune in. Physically, Woods reported feeling solid, appearing energetic and capable during his swings, despite his candid remarks about his game’s current lack of sharpness.
Williams praised the event’s unique ambiance, comparing it to the enthralling experiences found in tennis and basketball. “It’s so wild,” she exclaimed, appreciating the chance for players to showcase their personalities and excitement in an otherwise traditionally reserved sport. “It’s so good to kind of see their personalities and see them shine as golfers. … It’s so cool to see a new aspect.”
