News & Notes - January 27, 2025

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Do I Like TGL?

I found myself asking that two weeks ago during the second TGL match, where Tiger Woods debuted in the simulator golf league. It may not surprise you, but I love golf.

I’m just not certain TGL is golf.

It sure looked like it. Players hit shots. Good-natured ribbing was done. The action was fast. The spectacle was fantastic.

But, it was missing something. I even overheard players at Torrey Pines, both inside and outside the TGL, who were curious whether it was worth the travel to the TGL arena in West Palm Beach, Florida if the PGA TOUR was not on the Florida Swing. The private jet crew needed to be convinced, just like the fans.

TGL found it this week.

TGL desperately needed a close match to validate the enterprise. With Tiger’s team facing Rory’s this week, big ratings were expected (we don’t know what those are as I write). But, nothing would put people off more than watching the 4th straight drama-free competition. Instead, we saw an overtime closest-to-the-pin battle that created drama that television viewers need. The players cared about their shots. And all the other elements added to the drama.

I’ve had a number of golfers in my life say they will never watch. That’s fair. But, it moves fast and looks good. If the drama comes along, TGL will be in the golf world for a while…

Or, at least until Tiger Woods can’t swing a club anymore.

Did You Say Fast? Because That Ain’t It!

If you heard our Season 2 premiere podcast that dropped on Wednesday, then you know I’m spending this week at Pebble Beach after covering my hometown PGA TOUR event at Torrey Pines last week. Our goal is to get a few interviews, while grabbing player swings that we will use for our upcoming Swing Thoughts segments. So, I took ALOT of photos at a great spot where the 3rd tee meets the 6th tee at Torrey Pines South.

That prime spot gave me great insight into player routines. And, pace of play…

Or, lack thereof.

My photos all have timestamps. And they tell no lies. The time between tee shots holes 3-6 during Rounds 1-2 ranged from 48-52 minutes.

That’s nearly an hour to play a par-3 and two par-4s. It is no wonder that television ratings for this year’s PGA TOUR events are cratering.

I know every excuse for the pace. Those were windy days. The players on 3 often had to wait for the players on 6, because the tee boxes are so close. But, the players themselves know who the slowest ones are. I won’t name names, but they did, and he doesn’t wear a hat at the Ryder Cup.

This is fixable.

So, fix it.

Here’s What To Expect This Week

Those photos you see will only get better, as the top players on the PGA TOUR descended on Pebble Beach this week. We will get you content from the best in the coming days.

Rich Beem will be our guest on the show Wednesday. He will be covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for Sky Sports. It was a very fun conversation.

And, speaking of fun conversations, Willie Mack III joined us from Torrey Pines to answer our ForePlay questions. Oh, and did I mention The Edge is now on Bluesky? Give us a follow!

That’s all for now. Remember, for more of this column every week, please…

Until next week!