Tiger Woods teased golf fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at his long-awaited venture with Rory McIlroy.
TGL, the indoor, technology-driven circuit founded by Woods and McIlroy, is finally set to debut in the New Year, airing for the first time on January 7.
Despite sparking concerns about his health earlier this month, Woods is set to tee it up in the inaugural season of the tech-infused league with his team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, which comprises of Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner alongside the captain, on January 14.
And, with less than a month to go until its launch, Woods shared a sneak peek into the high-tech setup inside the SoFi Center, a purpose-built arena, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where matches will take place.
ESPN shared a clip of the 15-time major winner testing out the simulator as he fired shots from one of three mats at the giant screen with his driver.
The snippet ramped up excitement among golf fans, as many confessed they couldn’t wait to see the league in action.
Tiger Woods teased golf fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the TGL arena
Woods (pictured at the Hero World Challenge) will compete in the league in the New Year
One golf fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to post: ‘This will be fun to bet on.. Looking forward to the holes they create!’
‘Actually looks kinda dope lol,’ another said, while a third added, ‘I’m here for it,’ with three fire emojis.
‘At first I thought this idea was dumb, but I am actually kind of excited to watch it now,’ another confessed.
Woods has not played since bombing out of the Open Championship at Royal Troon and subsequently undergoing microdecompression surgery for nerve impingement on his lower back in September.
But other fans took Woods’ form in front of the simulator as a positive update as they seemed shocked at his ability so soon after surgery.
‘Perfect timing of Tigers career to launch this. Can’t wait,’ one fan referenced to Woods’ on-course struggles in recent years due to his health battles.
‘That’s some serious swing speed,’ another added, appraising the golf legend’s game.
‘Thought he just had back surgery now he’s swinging like this,’ one shocked fan questioned, as another echoed, ‘Didn’t he just have back surgery?’
Golf fans were left impressed at both the tech-infused arena and the legend’s swing
Woods raised concerns among golf fans at the beginning of the month when he opted not to play in the Hero World Challenge.
‘I don’t. I really don’t,’ the 48-year-old admitted when asked if he had a target to return to the course during his pre-tournament press conference as host.
‘I’m just progressively trying to test it, keep making progress without setting it off. I don’t want to have any setbacks, just want to keep making progress and give myself the best chance going into next year as possible.
‘I feel like I’m getting stronger, I’m getting more pliable, but I’ve got a long way to go to be able to compete against these guys.’
But it was later revealed Woods will make his return next week as he continues the tradition of teeing it up alongside son Charlie at the PNC Championship.
Woods also told Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig that he should be good to go for TGL’s debut in January.
The opening contest of the 15-match season will see New York Golf Club – comprised of Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler and Cameron Young – go up against The Bay Golf Club side of Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee and Shane Lowry.
TGL is run by TMRW Sports, the business venture launched by Woods and McIlroy in the summer of 2022.
The league boasts a host of high-profile backers, including tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams along with NBA superstar Steph Curry and Liverpool and Boston Red Sox owners the Fenway Sports Group.
