The world of professional golf is undergoing a transformative change, led by Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) – a revolutionary concept that combines golf, technology, and entertainment. Founded by two of the biggest names in golf – Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – TGL is reshaping how golf is experienced, attracting attention from golf enthusiasts and non-golf fans alike. While Woods and McIlroy are pivotal to TGL’s promotion, it’s Mike McCarley, the CEO and Founder of TMRW Sports, who is truly responsible for conceptualizing and executing this idea of indoor, technology-driven, team-oriented golf with matches contested in a regular attractive time slot.

Mike McCarley is the mastermind behind the TGL concept. In his early 40s, McCarley is a seasoned veteran in sports media and entertainment, having spent over two decades in the television industry. He was the president of The Golf Channel from 2011 to 2021, where he transformed the network into one of the fastest-growing channels in the United States. During his tenure, McCarley developed close relationships with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – two of the sport’s most influential players.

As president of NBC Sports’ golf division, McCarley recognized the need for golf to evolve. He knew that to attract a broader, younger audience, golf had to break away from its traditional format. His idea for TGL was to combine the best of golf’s very popular simulator technology and entertainment to create a fast-paced, team-oriented, and interactive experience.

His extensive experience in sports media and marketing, combined with his passion for golf, allowed him to envision TGL as a sport that blends traditional elements with a cutting-edge, modern approach. This vision will expand to other sports under TMRW Sports brand.

TGL is a hybrid sport that combines traditional golf with a high-tech, team-oriented structure that takes elements from Ryder Cup and LIV structure. Unlike typical golf tournaments, TGL matches are fast-paced, interactive, and feature a shot clock to keep the action moving. Utilizing the world’s largest simulator and a putting green that rotates and adjusts to the topography of the green that is represented on the hole being played on the simulator, bringing a new layer of excitement to the sport and enhancing the experience for both players and fans in attendance and watching on their device. TGL matches are designed to be a spectacle with a lively atmosphere and player interactions. TGL’s design brings the energy of traditional team sports like football and basketball into the world of golf, creating a more accessible and dynamic version of the game.

McCarley’s vision is not just about innovation in gameplay; it extends to the broadcast and media strategy as well. He has already secured TV coverage in 114 countries and territories, expanding TGL’s global footprint and ensuring international visibility. This broad reach is essential for TGL’s long-term growth, helping the league build a worldwide audience for its unique blend of golf and entertainment.

Mike McCarley’s vision for TGL goes beyond just the concept; it extends to the broadcast and media strategy. McCarley has signed a three-year contract with ESPN, securing the network’s support for broadcasting TGL matches. TGL season is currently broadcast in the Tuesday nighttime slot on ESPN and concludes just before the Masters, allowing it to operate within the most exciting months of the golf calendar. This timing ensures maximum exposure and a strong fan base.

This partnership with ESPN is crucial to TGL’s success, as it provides access to a massive global audience and ensures the league’s visibility in a highly competitive sports media landscape. The timing is strategically aligned to tap into prime sports television viewership. McCarley’s experience with media partnerships and his expertise in marketing major sporting events are key factors in ensuring that TGL reaches its full potential. He knows how to market a sport, bring in new fans, and create excitement around a product. His contract with ESPN ensures that TGL will receive the exposure it needs to grow into a major player in the sports entertainment space.

The Teams

At the heart of TGL are six teams of elite professional golfers who compete against each other in a Round-Robin format. The teams are not only made up of golf’s top talent but are also backed by influential investors and business figures from across the sports and entertainment industries.

Here’s a closer look at the teams, their players, and their ownership groups:

1. Atlanta Drive Golf Club: Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, and Lucas Glover – Owners: Arthur M. Blank (AMB Sports and Entertainment – owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and PGA TOUR Superstores)
2. Boston Common Golf Club: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, and Hideki Matsuyama – Ownership: John Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, and Fenway Sports Group (Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racing), Limited Partner: Niall Horan (One Direction)
3. Jupiter Links Golf Club: Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Kevin Kisner – Ownership: Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures and David Blitzer (Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Cleveland Guardians, Washington Commanders, Crystal Palace FC, Real Salt Lake)
4. Los Angeles Golf Club: Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose – Ownership: Alexis Ohanian, Seven Seven Six, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Limited Partners: The Antetokounmpo brothers, Alex Morgan, Servando Carrasco, Michelle Wie West, Tisha Alyn, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Shonda Rhimes
5. New York Golf Club: Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, and Cameron Young – Ownership: Steven A. Cohen (New York Mets) and Cohen Private Ventures
6. The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, and Shane Lowry – Ownership: Avenue Sports Fund, Marc Lasry (former Milwaukee Bucks), Stephen Curry, Limited Partners: Andre Iguodala, Klay Thompson, Alex Albon, Leonardo Fioravanti, Kanoa Igarashi, John Stones

These ownership groups are packed with power players from the world of sports, media, and entertainment. The involvement of these high-profile figures adds credibility and financial strength to TGL, ensuring that the league will have the resources to succeed long-term.

The Financial Backing And Technology

The league has attracted investors from a variety of industries, including sports teams, media companies, and tech ventures. These investors are not just supporting TGL financially – they are also instrumental in shaping the league’s direction, particularly when it comes to technology integration and fan engagement.

In the coming years, TGL will continue to evolve. What begins as state-of-the-art simulators and AI systems will become even more immersive, allowing greater fan interaction and engagement. This commitment to technological advancement ensures that TGL will remain relevant in a rapidly changing sports landscape.

TGL represents the future of golf – where technology, entertainment, and competition converge to create a new experience for fans. With the visionary leadership of Mike McCarley, TGL is well-positioned to revolutionize the sport. The league’s unique team format, indoor simulators, and technological innovations are setting the stage for a new era in golf. Thanks to McCarley’s media expertise, his three-year contract with ESPN, and the league’s international TV coverage, TGL will not only change how we watch golf, but also how we play and experience the sport. As TGL grows, it will undoubtedly become a significant part of the sports entertainment landscape, providing fans with an exciting, interactive, and future-forward way to engage with the game of golf.