Rory McIlroy Talks Future of TGL Golf League as Omega Times Finals

The PGA Tour-backed league is finding its footing in its second season, with plans for expansion and a women's league on the horizon.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 12:36am

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Ahead of the second-ever TGL (TMRW Golf League) finals, Rory McIlroy, an investor and pundit for the league, discusses the progress the new team-based golf format has made in its first two seasons. McIlroy highlights the younger demographic the league has attracted, the opportunities it has provided for up-and-coming players, and the potential for future growth including a women's league and expansion to new venues. Omega, the official timekeeper for TGL, also weighs in on the partnership and the importance of timing in the league's unique format.

Why it matters

TGL represents a significant effort by the PGA Tour to adapt golf for a younger audience and compete with alternative formats like LIV Golf. The league's success could shape the future of professional golf, particularly in attracting new fans and players to the sport.

The details

TGL, which is funded by the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and other major sports investors, features a team-based format played on a simulator screen with a morphable green. In its second season, the league has found its footing, with McIlroy noting a younger average viewership compared to the traditional PGA Tour. The league has also provided a platform for up-and-coming players to gain confidence and exposure alongside golf legends. As TGL looks to the future, plans include a women's league (WTGL), the addition of two more teams, and potentially expanding the league to different venues beyond its home at the SoFi Center.

  • The TGL Finals are taking place on March 23 and 24, 2026.
  • TGL started discussions and planning right after the COVID-19 pandemic, around 5-6 years ago.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer and investor in the TGL league.

Omega

The official timekeeper for the TGL league, with experience timing major sporting events like the Olympics.

Tiger Woods

A co-founder of the TGL league and investor.

Chris Gotterup

A young up-and-coming player who has gained confidence and exposure through participating in TGL.

Michael Thorbjornsen

A young player who has benefited from the opportunity to interact with golf legends through TGL.

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What they’re saying

“I think this season, the second season, is where it's really found its feet. People understand it more. They realize that it's not traditional golf—and that's not really what we wanted it to be.”

— Rory McIlroy, Investor and Pundit, TGL

“We have Michael Thorbjornsen on our team and the fact that he's been able to spend so much time around myself, Adam Scott, Keegan [Bradley], and Hideki [Matsuyama]—I don't think he would have had that opportunity otherwise. He's a pretty quiet guy by nature. So it's been really cool to see him him open up and become a bit more confident.”

— Rory McIlroy, Investor and Pundit, TGL

“Omega has live-timing experience with the Olympics. The brand has been a wonderful supporter of me and my career over the years, but also a wonderful supporter of golf. They've partnered with some of the biggest tournaments in golf, and they're a big supporter of sport as a whole. It's been a huge vote of confidence for TGL to get someone like Omega on board.”

— Rory McIlroy, Investor and Pundit, TGL

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

TGL's innovative format and focus on attracting younger viewers represents a significant effort by the PGA Tour to adapt golf for the modern era. The league's continued growth and success could have far-reaching implications for the future of professional golf, particularly in its ability to engage new fans and players.