Planet Golf News for Wednesday, January 8, 2025

New TGL league is fast, fun, not for everyone as The Bay defeats New York in debut | Hideki Matsuyama chasing 'Hawaiian Double' at Waialae | LIV Golf features 6 U.S. stops over 14-tournament schedule

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PGN News Team
January 08, 2025

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf’s new era is here, and it’s…interesting. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s tech-infused brainchild, the TGL indoor golf league, finally made its debut in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and reactions ranged from “this is the future of golf” to “is this what we really wanted?” The Bay Golf Club handed the New York Golf Club a 9-2 beatdown, with Ludvig Åberg snagging the honor of the first birdie in TGL history. Meanwhile, Matt Fitzpatrick, in a moment we all related to, apologized for his not-so-glorious opening shot.

The whole thing is fast-paced—just 15 holes played in under two hours—and packed with fancy tech. Players smash drives into a massive virtual screen and tackle a short-game setup that looks like it was designed by NASA. Even Tiger couldn’t resist throwing in a cheeky sledge, reminding everyone that the golf world’s GOAT isn’t afraid to stir the pot. Fans, however, were divided. Some loved the shot clock and stadium atmosphere, while others felt the virtual format sucked the soul out of the game. Rory, ever the optimist, believes this is just the beginning. We’ll see if his faith holds as TGL’s inaugural season unfolds.

Back on the course, Hideki Matsuyama is the one to watch at Waialae Country Club in Hawaii, coming off a record-breaking win at The Sentry. The Sony Open is the first full-field event of the season, so expect the competition—and the drama—to be fierce. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Maui teen, Tyler Loree, is living his dream after qualifying for the event. If that doesn’t make you feel old, nothing will.

Speaking of living the dream, Trevor Immelman is set to become the chair of the Official World Golf Ranking in April, taking over from Peter Dawson. He’s balancing that gig with his CBS commentary duties because apparently, one high-pressure job isn’t enough. Also, the OWGR has some updates in store, including adding the PGA Tour of Taiwan to its rankings and tweaking how points are distributed. The golfing world isn’t standing still—at least not off the course.

While we’re on the subject of moving parts, a wildfire in Southern California is threatening Riviera Country Club, home to the Genesis Invitational. Residents near the club have been evacuated, and the situation is a stark reminder that Mother Nature doesn’t care if Tiger Woods is hosting a golf tournament there next month.

Elsewhere, Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari are gearing up for the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi. It’s a Ryder Cup-style showdown between Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe, with Continental Europe looking to defend their title. For those who enjoy a bit of match-play drama, this one’s for you.

And let’s not forget the equipment junkies. Mizuno is teasing us with the new Pro S-3 irons, designed for elite players who still want that buttery Mizuno feel. Meanwhile, TaylorMade is hyping its Qi35 range, boasting innovations that might actually make your mishits look intentional. Rory and Collin Morikawa are already using them, so naturally, the rest of us are doomed to overpay for clubs we’ll never truly master.

Finally, the LIV Golf soap opera rolls on, with open roster spots, schedule announcements, and whispers of potential peace with the PGA Tour. Oh, and their season opener will be in Riyadh because nothing screams “golf revolution” like Saudi Arabia.

So, whether you’re tuning in to TGL’s next futuristic showdown or checking out the Sony Open to watch a 17-year-old go toe-to-toe with Hideki, golf’s got something for everyone. And if none of that grabs you, there’s always the new irons to drool over while pretending you’ll break 90 this year.

Today’s Top Golf News 

The indoor golf league that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy envisioned finally has its debut match

The inaugural match of the indoor golf league, envisioned by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, took place in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, featuring Ludvig Aberg making the first birdie in TGL history. The competition commenced with a 15-hole match between New York Golf Club's Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Xander Schauffele, and The Bay Golf Club's Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark, and Aberg. The match lasted just under two hours, aligning with TGL's vision for efficient play, and concluded with The Bay winning 9 to 2 against New York.

Golf fans instantly make feelings known on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's league

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL launched to mixed fan reactions, with the innovative shot clock praised while some criticized the slow pace and virtual format. The league features 24 top PGA players in a high-tech indoor setting, competing in unique match formats over 15 holes.

Grayson Murray's passion remembered during solemn tribute at the tournament he won

At the Sony Open, players and officials honored Grayson Murray, the defending champion who died by suicide, while launching the Grayson Murray Foundation to raise awareness for mental health and addiction. His family emphasized his passion for helping others and the importance of continuing his legacy.

Masters champ Trevor Immelman to take over as OWGR chair

Trevor Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion, will become the chair of the Official World Golf Ranking on April 10, succeeding Peter Dawson. Immelman, who will continue as CBS's lead golf analyst, expressed his honor in taking on this role and highlighted the importance of the ranking system in his career. The OWGR will also include the PGA Tour of Taiwan starting in 2025 and implement a new points distribution curve for tournaments with low field ratings.

Riviera, site of PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational, in evacuation zone for Pacific Palisades wildfire

A large wildfire in Southern California has prompted mandatory evacuations, threatening the Riviera Country Club, the venue for next month's Genesis Invitational hosted by Tiger Woods. The fire grew rapidly, reaching 770 acres and endangering nearby homes. Residents have been advised to evacuate immediately.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

TGL Debuted With a Laugher, Making the Jury Still Out on the Concept

TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

The inaugural TGL golf tournament took place last night at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, marking the debut of this innovative, tech-driven league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The event featured a match between the New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club, with The Bay dominating in a decisive 9-2 victory. The Bay's team—comprising Wyndham Clark, Shane Lowry, and Ludvig Åberg—outperformed New York's Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Xander Schauffele across two sessions: a nine-hole "triples" format and six holes of head-to-head singles play.

The SoFi Center, a purpose-built 250,000-square-foot venue, offered a unique blend of virtual golf technology and live-action play. Players hit shots into a massive 64-by-53-foot virtual screen for long-range play and transitioned to a state-of-the-art short-game complex for shots within 50 yards. This innovative setup provided an intimate experience for the 1,500 fans in attendance and those watching live on ESPN.

The league's launch comes after a year-long delay due to construction issues but was met with enthusiasm from players and fans alike. Rory McIlroy expressed excitement about the league's potential to engage audiences through its fast-paced, two-hour matches and interactive elements. TGL will continue with a 15-match regular season running through March, culminating in playoffs and a best-of-three finals to determine the first champion.

TGL Stories

The indoor golf league that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy envisioned finally has its debut match

The TGL indoor golf league, envisioned by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, debuted with Ludvig Aberg making the first birdie. The match featured teams from New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club, showcasing a high-tech venue and a fast-paced format. Woods and McIlroy are set to play in upcoming matches as the league progresses towards playoffs before the Masters.

TGL golf results, takeaways: New league is fast, fun, not for everyone as The Bay defeats New York in debut

The Bay Golf Club defeated New York Golf Club 9 to 2 in the inaugural TGL match, showcasing a fast-paced format with a 40-second shot clock. Players struggled with short-game shots on changing greens, and reactions to the new league were mixed, indicating it's not for everyone. Improvements are needed in camera angles and crowd engagement for future matches.

Matt Fitzpatrick quickly says 'sorry' after embarrassing first shot in TGL

Matt Fitzpatrick struggled in his TGL debut, apologizing to teammates after a poor opening shot, leading to a 9-2 loss against The Bay Golf Club. The league, co-founded by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, aims to modernize golf with new formats and technology.

Ludvig Åberg, The Bay dominate TGL debut match not unlike Steph Curry’s Warriors

Ludvig Åberg and his team dominated TGL's debut match against New York Golf Club, winning 9-2, showcasing impressive skills and a stadium-like atmosphere that fans and players enjoyed. Åberg expressed excitement about the innovative format and its potential for the future of golf.

‘Should have holed it’: Tiger’s ruthless sledge as world reacts to ‘awesome’ golf revolution - LIVE

Tiger Woods made a sharp comment during the TGL tournament, reflecting the mixed reactions to the new golf format, which many are calling revolutionary and exciting.

TGL Videos

Sony Open hosts solemn tribute to champ Murray

Sony Open in Hawaii - PGA Tour - Walalae Country Club - Honolulu, HI

The 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii will take place from January 9-12 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, featuring 144 players competing for an $8.7 million purse with $1,566,000 going to the winner. Hideki Matsuyama, fresh off his record-breaking 35-under victory at The Sentry, will be a top contender after previously winning the Sony Open in 2022. This tournament marks the first full-field event of the 2025 PGA Tour season and the first opportunity for players to earn points towards the Aon Swing 5, which qualifies golfers for upcoming prestigious tournaments. The event will be broadcast on NBC and Golf Channel, with streaming available through PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, Peacock, and NBC Sports platforms. The tournament will also include a special tribute to Grayson Murray, with his family launching a foundation to raise awareness about mental health and addiction challenges. Golfers like Tom Kim, Keegan Bradley, and Corey Conners are among the notable players expected to compete at the historic Waialae Country Club.

Sony Open Stories

Bolton: Fantasy scores soar, but reality sets in with Sony Open in Hawaii roster strategy - PGA TOUR

Hideki Matsuyama's record performance at The Sentry boosts fantasy scores, while the upcoming Sony Open introduces a 36-hole cut, influencing roster strategies. Key players to consider include Matsuyama, Russell Henley, and Tom Kim, with weather conditions also playing a critical role in lineup decisions.

'It's everything I dreamed of': Maui teen gears up for Sony Open debut

Seventeen-year-old Tyler Loree is set to make his PGA Tour debut at the Sony Open after winning the qualifier, expressing excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside top golfers and represent Hawaii.

Sony Open Videos

Team Cup - DP World Tour - Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Team Cup, a Ryder Cup-style golf tournament, will take place from January 10-12, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort. The competition features two teams: Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe, each consisting of 10 professional golfers. Justin Rose will captain the Great Britain & Ireland team, while Francesco Molinari leads the Continental Europe team. The tournament follows a match play format with fourballs on Friday, foursomes on Saturday, and singles matches on Sunday. Every player will participate in all sessions, with the winning team being the first to reach 13 points. This event serves as a prelude to the 2025 Ryder Cup and provides an opportunity for players to gain team competition experience. In the inaugural 2023 tournament, Continental Europe defeated Great Britain & Ireland 14.5 to 10.5, and they will be looking to defend their title in this year’s competition.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Mizuno Pro S-3 irons | 3 things to know

The Mizuno Pro S-3 irons represent a new line of forged player's irons from Mizuno, designed to cater to elite ball strikers while maintaining the brand's iconic feel and performance. Announced alongside the absence of a JPX 925 Tour iron, these clubs aim to enhance the visibility of the Mizuno Pro line, which historically appeals to better players. The S-3 features a shallow cavity design and incorporates Mizuno's advanced Grain Flow Forging process, ensuring exceptional feedback and control. Set for preorder on January 24 and retail availability on February 6, these irons will be priced at $200 per club, aiming to combine craftsmanship with the precision desired by today's golfers.

Why The New TaylorMade Qi35 Range Might Be The Most Complete Family To Launch In 2025

The TaylorMade Qi35 range, set to launch in 2025, aims to build on the success of the previous Qi10 line by introducing innovative technology focused on center of gravity (CG) projection to enhance launch conditions and forgiveness. The Qi35 family includes four driver models, each engineered for optimal performance, alongside various fairway woods and hybrids designed to cater to a wide spectrum of golfers. With features like adjustable weights and fitting technology, TaylorMade hopes to offer players greater control and customization in their game. The range has already garnered attention on the PGA Tour, with notable players like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa adopting the new models, reflecting TaylorMade's commitment to pushing the boundaries of golf equipment design and performance.

Overheard in the Club House

Excluded from TGL Action, Paige Spiranac Gives Honest Assessment of Indoor Golf League: 'Have to Say..'

Paige Spiranac, despite not being an official collaborator with the tech-driven indoor golf league TGL, shared her positive assessment of its launch on social media, noting the relaxed demeanor of the golfers and the opportunity for their personalities to shine. As TGL aims to engage a younger audience through innovative technology and influencer collaborations, prominent figures like Tiger Woods and Grant Horvat have already joined forces to promote the league. Spiranac's comments reflect her interest in TGL's potential, highlighting the shift in golf culture towards a more approachable and entertaining format.

Adam Scott has a full plate as part of Saudi negotiations over LIV Golf and inside the ropes

Adam Scott navigates complex negotiations with LIV Golf while serving on the PGA Tour board, addressing funding changes and potential agreements with Saudi backers, amidst discussions on tournament formats and player representation.

The LIV Golf Teams Who Still Have Open Spots On Their Rosters

Several LIV Golf teams have open roster spots for 2025, including Stinger GC, Fireballs GC, Legion XIII GC, and RangeGoats GC, as they prepare for the upcoming season opener in Riyadh on February 6. Notable player movements and potential signings are being discussed as teams look to strengthen their lineups.

Pro Calls On PGA Tour To 'Wake Up' After Grant Horvat's Tiger Woods Announcement

Michael Kim urges the PGA Tour to engage younger audiences by collaborating with YouTube content creators, highlighting the success of popular golf videos and the need for innovative media strategies to attract fans.

LIV Golf announces final 2025 schedule, returns to President-elect Trump property

LIV Golf has announced its complete 2025 schedule, featuring 14 events including a return to Trump Doral and other former PGA Tour sites. The season kicks off in Riyadh and includes international stops in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, with speculation about a potential peace deal with the PGA Tour pending the new Trump administration's influence.

UPPER MIDDLE

A cocktail party cheat sheet for semi-rich, time-poor Americans making the best of a pretty damn good situation.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

TGL Schedule 2025

View the latest match schedule for TGL presented by SoFi, including times, dates and broadcast partners.

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