How TGL Reserves Are Moving the League Forward
In most professional sports, it is very rare for someone who is not rostered by a team to make a continued significant impact. However, Tomorrow’s Golf League continues to change the way the public thinks about traditional team sports. Beginning with Tony Finau and, presently, Neal Shipley and Luke Clanton, TGL reserve players have stepped into the spotlight. Additionally, some reserve players have played major roles in their teams’ success.
Since its inaugural season last year, TGL has been shaking up the professional golf scene, adding a fun wrinkle to the PGA Tour’s regular season. In addition to being one of the only ways to see Tiger Woods live, TGL provides fans with an arguably more lively and less intense atmosphere to see their favorite golfers compete in a virtual team golf setting. While the big names, like Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, tend to attract the biggest crowds, the implementation of reserves enables the league to continue its growth and expansion. The reserve system ensures continuity while creating opportunities for the next wave of talent.
For example, fans can become more familiar with a greater number of professional golfers thanks to their status as TGL reserves. While Finau is one of the bigger names in professional golf, he has been known to break out a dance move or two while playing in the SoFi Center. The playful atmosphere inside the SoFi Center during TGL matches allows golfers to relax and show more of their personalities. For a sport that is often regarded as “stiff” and “old-timey,” the vulnerability and originality displayed during a TGL match allow golf fans to become more acquainted with professional golfers’ personalities.
Additionally, up-and-coming stars on the PGA Tour have nearly stolen the spotlight as TGL reserves. Four-time PGA Tour winner Chris Gotterup, two-time PGA Tour winner Akshay Bhatia, long-ball hitter Michael Thorbjornsen, and others have all expanded their reach and brand recognition as reserves. Gotterup, Bhatia, and Thorbjornsen have started in all of their respective teams’ matches so far, demonstrating how crucial they have been to their teams’ success. Their rock-solid games, creative shot shaping, and clutch putting have impressed SoFi Center crowds throughout the season.
Other than the usual reserves, the new faces of Shipley and Clanton showed out this past Monday. Along with their teammate Min Woo Lee, the TGL rookies drained numerous clutch putts and stuck several approach shots in The Bay Golf Club’s convincing 11-5 victory over Los Angeles Golf Club. Clanton and Shipley’s first TGL appearance was highlighted by Shipley’s hole-in-one on the fifth hole of the match, Set In Stone. “This is a blast,” Shipley said in a post-match interview on ESPN. “This is like nothing I have done before; it is just such a great time. We are almost more nervous on the sidelines watching our boys hit shots. It is super fun to root for someone.” Shipley’s passion for the virtual golf league is emulated by his fellow reserves, hence their willingness to continue to tee it up.
Furthermore, the TGL reserve pool allows the league to avoid adjusting its calendar throughout the season. On the PGA Tour, injuries, family obligations, and a full playing schedule can limit a golfer’s availability. However, thanks to the reserve system, TGL can insert players wherever and whenever needed. For example, Woods’ and Thomas’ recent injuries have limited their participation in the league’s regular season, but Bhatia and Gotterup have filled in seamlessly. As various TGL regulars like Tom Kim, Adam Scott, and Lucas Glover pursue Official World Golf Ranking points across the globe, the reserve pool has kept the league and matches stable and competitive on a weekly basis.
While TGL is a fun avenue for players to continue to grow the game of golf, as well as their brand, the main thing is still the main thing: the PGA Tour. However, TGL’s reserve player pool has brought a sense of stability to the league. Regularly-rostered players can tend to their professional careers and external obligations without the insecurity of the league falling apart. The young players who have competed in TGL events have performed well, earning cheers and support that have carried over to PGA Tour tournaments.
