Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy launch crackdown after Patrick Cantlay episode
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have made it clear their new golf league will not stand for slow play, with radical new regulations in place for the launch of the innovative tournament.
TGL launches on January 9, with 24 of the world's best golfers split into six teams for the weekly made-for-TV events that will culminate in a playoff bracket and finals. The events will be held at SoFi Center, a purpose-built facility in Palm Beach, Florida, comprised of simulators and the "Green Zone", with a dynamic putting surface that changes to mimic the typography of a green.
The PGA Tour-backed series is the brainchild of Woods, McIlroy and TMRW Sports, and they have devised a series of rules that could point to the future of the game as it vies to modernise and improve as a TV product. TGL players will be subject to a 40-second shot clock, with a referee overseeing the matches.
Each team will be limited to four timeouts per match, and shot-clock violations will result in a one-stroke penalty. The rules are a clear message to the players that incidents like TGL-commit Patrick Cantlay's slow play at The Masters in April, which drew criticism from Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, will not be allowed in TGL.
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The introduction of timeouts adds a strategic layer to matches. Either team can call a timeout up until the moment a player is stood over their shot, meaning teams theoretically could use them in a similar fashion to NFL coaches when they try to "ice" a field goal kicker, disrupting their routine.
Explaining the roles of the referee and booth official, a TGL statement said: "This is a team sport and just like football and basketball, we’ll have a ref to keep an eye on the action. TGL’s rules will be rooted in the traditional rules of golf played on the PGA Tour, as well as inherent local rules needed for the league’s unique competition format, technology, and venue.
An artist's impression of SoFi Center, the arena that will host TGL's weekly events. (@TGL/Twitter)"Our ref has experience with timeouts, shot clocks, and the dynamics of team sports. They will be on the course at SoFi Center to administer TGL’s rules and unique situations. Additionally, a booth official, who is an expert in the rules of golf, will be monitoring the action."
TGL has announced five of the six teams that will take part, with squads representing Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Boston Common Golf – owned by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group – was the first team to unveil its roster, with McIlroy, Tyrell Hatton, Adam Scott and hometown hero Keegan Bradley representing the city.
Atlanta Drive has announced it will be led by two-time major champion Justin Thomas, while Collin Morikawa will play for Los Angeles Golf Club. Other players yet to be assigned to a team include Europe's Ryder Cup heroes Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood.
Rahm, however, will not be involved. The Spaniard had signed up to take part but, being based in Arizona, it appears the commitment to fly to Florida each week while juggling the PGA Tour schedule is to difficult to fulfil. Likewise, Texas natives Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth and Oklahoma-based Viktor Hovland have not joined the league due to the logistical challenges.
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