As for any real competition or drama during the first two weeks of TGLthere was none.
Of course, that doesn’t help when both matches are decided with at least five holes remaining.
“We’re still waiting for a really competitive match before the singles,” said Rory McIlorywho with Tiger wood created the indoor golf league.
But McIlroy may have to wait at least another week, with Tuesday’s lineups looking more crowded than the first two weeks.
Atlanta Drive GC makes its TGL debut against New York on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at SoFi Center. Atlanta is the first TGL team to field a roster of three top-20 golfers in the world: Patrick Cantlay (10), Justin Thomas (14) and Billy Horschel (18).
New York played on opening night and was crushed by The Bay, 9-2. And that was with world number 2 Xander Schauffele on the list of three. Cam Young, who did not play Game 1, replaces Shauffele for New York’s Game 2 and will team up with Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick.
But Week 1 was a barn burner compared to what we saw in Wood’s TGL debut in Week 2. Woods’ Jupiter Links was defeated 12-1 by Los Angeles.
“We were entertaining,” Woods said. “We hit a lot of shots. I think people here got to see how bad the pros can be. It was just a boat race. Oh, my God.
“But we had a great time.”
But is it enough?
TGL TV Ratings Strong for First Two Weeks
By all accounts, TGL had a successful launch. Ratings are strong, averaging 919,000 viewers for the two-hour opening night telecast, while peaking at 1.1 million; and growing that audience by 9% in week 2 to over a million viewers, peaking at 1.13 million.
These numbers, however, were certainly enhanced by the curiosity/novelty factor for TGL’s unique concept in Week 1 and Woods’ debut in Week 2.
Maybe a better gauge will be Tuesday.
“We obviously understand that this is very different from anything that’s been done before, and we also understand that it’s not going to be suitable for everyone,” McIlroy said. “So if you’re a complete gaming traditionalist, this probably isn’t for you, but that’s okay. That’s not the audience we’re aiming for.
“But it’s been fun. The players have had a lot of fun. I think the viewers are starting to get it, hopefully, and starting to understand the format.”
Still, TGL desperately needs a match in which the final holes count. The first two matches were decided early, but they continued because of a rule designed to keep competitors on the course through 15 holes no matter when the outcome is clinched, so that ESPN can fulfill its two-hour window.
But what the first two weeks lacked in drama, it certainly made up for in entertainment.
Rare glimpse into the fun side of Tiger Woods
Woods’ reaction to teammate Kevin Kisner hitting a sand wedge on No. 14 last week was a rare glimpse of a team rarely seen from an ultra-competitive athlete in competition. Kisner’s shot ricocheted off the flag stick toward the spectators. Woods laughed so hard that he was passed several minutes later, with tears in his eyes.
And his team was accommodated, led 10-1.
“Honestly, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve seen,” Woods said.
And that said the most dramatic drama of the first two weeks occurred on Kisner’s next shot, when his 58-foot chip nearly went in, out and settled two feet from the hole.
Perhaps moments like these and the television audience being privy to the players’ conversation, with everyone on the mic, will keep the curiosity factor high.
But this single attempt to expand golf’s reach will only go so far. Sooner or later, drama will have to be added.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for the Palm Beach Post. He can be contacted at [email protected].
This article was originally published on the Palm Beach Post: TGL Week 3 hopes for drama when Atlanta Drive GC meets New York GC