Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have both been predictably bullish about the impact their new technology-led indoor golf venture will have on the sport.
On the eve of Tuesday’s inaugural Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) match, McIlroy said this is “golf, reimagined” and that they are “trying to take golf into the 21st Century”.
During the opening night of the six-team league event, which will take place in Florida each week until a winner is crowned in March, Woods confidently stated they are “taking golf into another stratosphere”.
Whether that was achieved on day one is a moot point but Woods’ follow-up that this is “not traditional golf” was bang on the mark.
This was virtual golf fused with real action.
There were fantasy holes featuring lava fields and cliff-top island fairways. There was a rotating green that was moved after each hole. There was an attempt at Ryder Cup rivalry. Poor shots were greeted by pantomime boos from the 1,500 or so spectators in the purpose-built Sofi Center.
And 15 holes were played in around two hours. Fantasy golf. Made for TV.
Here are five takeaways from the opening night: