Fans of Faster-Pace Golf Rejoice: New TGL League Will Have a Shot Clock

More details are emerging about the new made-for-TV TGL golf league that will debut in prime-time in January and feature many of the top stars on the PGA Tour in team competition.

It was announced on Monday that there will be elements of other team sports involved in TGL competition, namely a shot clock, timeouts, and a referee.

We’re taking a nod from some of our other favorite sports and bringing a shot clock, timeouts, and a referee to TGL. Learn more ⬇️ https://t.co/Ms6ul1EvNf

— TGL (@TGL) November 6, 2023

“[TGL will] incorporate elements that are familiar to sports fans from other sports in ways that would not translate on a traditional golf course but are commonplace in a sports arena environment,” TGL CEO Mike McCarley said in a press release. “Instituting a shot clock and timeouts will help make matches entertaining, fast-paced, and exciting for sports fans.”

McCarley founded the league along with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The group is already incorporating other sports stars to help get the league off the ground.

Someone with a little bit of shot clock experience has some advice for the fellas…

“You always have to remember it’s there…” @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/cN1edW34uk

— TGL (@TGL) November 6, 2023

Pace of play has habitually been an issue in golf—as evidenced by last year’s final round of the Masters—so golf fans are happy to see that addressed here with a 40-second shot clock, especially for an event that will fit into a two-hour TV window.

Players have already been assigned to teams, including Justin Thomas to the Atlanta franchise, Collin Morikawa to Los Angeles, and Rory McIlroy to the Boston-based team.

The season will take place in a custom-built arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, featuring an oversized simulator and adjustable putting surface. The first matches will be on Jan. 9, 2024.

Cover Image via PGA Tour