RG's "Wednesday Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights. This week, Elliott shares his thoughts on night one of TGL and what it means to the game.
TGL: The Night That Gave Us a Glimpse of Golf’s Future
January 7th, 2025, remember this date. The ancient game of golf was forever changed last night…Golf has long been a bastion of tradition, a sport steeped in history, elegance, and exclusivity. From the lush greens of St Andrews to the manicured fairways of Augusta, the game has been cherished for its ties to the past. However, as a PGA Professional and ambassador of the sport, it is imperative to recognize that while we honor these traditions, adapting to the changing world around us is crucial for the game's future.
Last night's much-anticipated launch of the TGL represents a groundbreaking shift in how golf is perceived and played. Like Topgolf, PopStroke, and simulator golf clubs, the TGL challenges traditional paradigms by offering a fresh, modern approach to the sport. As someone who cherishes the game's history, I see this as a positive evolution—a way to bridge the gap between the old and the new, preserving the essence of golf while making it appealing and accessible to a broader audience.
Historically, golf has been critiqued for its resistance to change, often seen as a sport that clings too tightly to its revered past. This attitude has risked alienating new generations who crave excitement, innovation, and inclusivity in their recreational activities. Embracing technology and new formats—like the TGL—presents an opportunity to introduce golf to diverse demographics who might find traditional courses daunting or inaccessible.
The inspiring vision of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley in creating the TGL highlights an essential pivot towards modernity. Their commitment to shaking up the conventional norms of golf signifies an acknowledgment that the game must evolve to thrive. This initiative is more than a novelty; it's a strategic move to keep the sport relevant and engaging for future generations.
As professionals of the sport, whether a PGA TOUR, LPGA, or PGA of America Professional, our mandate extends beyond merely preserving traditions. We must also be proactive in cultivating an environment that welcomes innovation. Supporting new formats, technologies, and visions for golf's future is not a betrayal of the game's heritage but rather a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability.
The TGL and similar innovations are not threats to the sport but rather critical advancements needed for its survival and growth. By embracing these changes, we are not only safeguarding golf's present but also ensuring that it continues to thrill, challenge, and inspire future generations. While rooted in tradition, the game of golf must continuously adapt to remain vibrant and relevant in an ever-changing world.
TGL Night One Results
Beyond the technology and innovation, the team aspect shined last night. With shot clocks, time outs, strategizing, walk-up music, and all the frills that TGL has to offer, it still came down to some of the game's best in the world hitting golf shots.
On night one, we saw New York Golf Club get smoked by The Bay Golf Club. New York, represented by Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young, who did not play last night, took nine holes before they got on the board. The Bay, led by Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Shane Lowry, and benched last night, Min Woo Lee, or "Woozy" for short, took six points in the first six holes.
A TGL match is contested over 15 holes. The first nine are played in a 3-vs-3 match, with teams playing alternate shot, and the last six holes are head-to-head singles. Each hole is worth a point. Ties are worth no points, and unlike, say, a skins game, there are no carryovers after tied holes.
By the time last night's match reached the eleventh tee, The Bay had already locked things up. However, with total points scored by each team throughout the season mattering toward the playoffs, every match will continue on for the full 15 holes, even if a team has wrapped things up already. The Bay stands at 1-0 after week one, and NY is 0-1.
The next match, scheduled for Tuesday, January 14th, is highly anticipated. It pits Jupiter Links against Los Angeles Golf Club. LA, led by Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala, and Tommy Fleetwood, will face off against Jupiter's formidable team of Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Kevin Kisner, and Tom Kim. It promises to be a thrilling spectacle!
Island Hopping: Sony Open in Hawaii Preview
Aloha, golf fans! After last week's 2025 PGA TOUR kick-off at the Sentry, the fellas are island hopping over to the lush fairways of Waialae Country Club in Honolulu for the Sony Open, a beloved staple in the PGA Tour's early season calendar. Set against the backdrop of swaying palms and the Pacific Ocean, this event offers up stunning views and thrilling golf.
Players to Watch
This year's Sony Open field features a blend of seasoned veterans and newcomers ready to make their mark. Keep an eye on the 2022 champion, Hideki Matsuyama, who aims to start his year with back-to-back wins. His scorched earth 35-under par dismantling of the Plantation Course last week bodes well for him being a player to watch this week. Other players to watch and see if they can bring their A-game's to this island paradise include Corey Conners, Keegan Bradley, Sahith Theegala, Billy Horschel, and Tom Kim.
The Golf Course
Waialae Country Club is a par 70 course that requires precision and smart course management. It stretches just over 7,000 yards and is known for its tight fairways and tricky hazards. If trade winds swirl this week, they will definitely make the course challenging for even the best players on the planet. This course has been part of some unforgettable moments in golf, so players need to bring their A-game to tackle its unique challenges.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
