Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy co-founded the ground-breaking TGL league, which Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp is joining by co-founding the Motor City Golf Club. Competition will begin in 2027.

Golf is on the brink of a bold new era. The sport — steeped in tradition and history — is about to be shaken up by one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking ventures in its long history. At the heart of this evolution are two of golf’s biggest names, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who have co-founded the revolutionary TGL league. Joining this venture as a co-founder of the Motor City Golf Club — one of the league’s key franchises — is Sheila Ford Hamp, the influential owner of the Detroit Lions NFL franchise.

Scheduled to launch competition in 2027, the TGL league promises to fuse cutting-edge technology, fast-paced formats, and immersive fan experiences to create an entirely new way to engage with golf — potentially changing the sport’s landscape forever

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are arguably two of the most influential golfers of their generation. Woods, with his historic dominance and global star power, and McIlroy, the charismatic, relatable world No. 1, have now taken their combined passion for the game beyond the traditional fairways and greens.

Their vision is TGL — short for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy Golf League — a league designed to revolutionize how golf is consumed and played at the highest levels. The idea was born out of the desire to attract new audiences, including younger fans, and to create a thrilling, fast-moving version of golf that is tailored for the digital age.

Unlike traditional golf tournaments that often span four days and stretch over many hours, TGL will be condensed, highly engaging, and packed with excitement. The league will feature a team format, nighttime matches, immersive technology, and a more dynamic presentation style that taps into social media and streaming platforms.

The TGL league is set to innovate on several fronts:

• Team Competition: Unlike the traditional individual stroke play format that dominates the PGA Tour, TGL will have teams, adding a strategic layer and fostering new rivalries and alliances. Fans will get to support franchises representing different cities, much like other major sports.
• Shorter, Evening Events: The matches will be held in the evenings and last approximately two to three hours, making it more accessible to fans who struggle to follow lengthy weekend golf tournaments.
• Technology Integration: Using advanced technology such as shot-tracking systems, augmented reality, and on-course sensors, TGL promises to offer unparalleled real-time data, graphics, and viewer engagement. This tech-driven approach will make every shot count and keep fans glued to the action.
• Fan-Centric Experience: Beyond the TV screens and streaming devices, TGL aims to create a live experience that feels like a festival or concert — music, entertainment, and social interaction will blend with the competition to build a new culture around golf.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have leveraged their deep connections within the sport to gather top-tier talent and backers who believe in the league’s vision. But to make TGL truly groundbreaking, they needed partners who bring not only financial muscle but also expertise in sports franchise management and fan engagement.

Enter Sheila Ford Hamp. As the owner of the Detroit Lions, Ford Hamp is no stranger to the pressures and potentials of professional sports franchises. She brings a wealth of experience in navigating competitive sports environments and understands how to build a brand that resonates with local communities and national audiences alike.

Ford Hamp’s involvement comes through the co-founding of the Motor City Golf Club, one of the TGL league’s franchise teams based in Detroit. This club will not only represent the city in TGL competition but also serve as a hub for grassroots engagement and local fan development.

The Motor City Golf Club is symbolic for several reasons:

• Revitalizing Detroit’s Sports Scene: Detroit has long been known as a passionate sports city with a deep connection to football, basketball, and hockey. Adding a premier golf franchise will diversify the city’s sports portfolio and bring fresh energy to the region.
• Bridging Sports Worlds: Ford Hamp’s NFL ownership background brings insights into team management, marketing, and fan engagement that will be invaluable for the Motor City Golf Club. Her leadership ensures the franchise will have a solid foundation to grow.
• Inspiring Women and Minorities: Ford Hamp is a powerful figure in sports leadership and a role model for women in executive sports roles. Her involvement sends a message about inclusivity and progressive leadership within golf, a sport often criticized for its historical exclusivity.

The launch of TGL in 2027 will be more than just a new league; it could represent a tectonic shift in golf’s global appeal and business model.

Golf has traditionally skewed toward older demographics, and broadcasters have struggled to attract younger viewers. The traditional pace of play and format haven’t always meshed well with the on-demand, fast-paced culture of digital natives.

TGL’s condensed format and focus on entertainment promise to pull in millennials and Gen Z viewers. Evening matches fit better with after-work and weekend social habits, while the league’s digital-first approach aligns perfectly with how younger fans consume sports content.

With franchises like the Motor City Golf Club, TGL can tap into new markets where golf may not be as entrenched. This city-based team concept creates local loyalty and can drive golf participation and interest at a community level.

Moreover, franchise rivalries can generate excitement, as fans rally behind their city’s team, much like in the NFL, NBA, or MLS. This territorial competition has been lacking in professional golf for decades and may breathe new life into the sport.

The TGL league brings fresh revenue streams through team ownership, merchandising, sponsorship, ticket sales, and broadcast rights. The involvement of high-profile owners like Sheila Ford Hamp underscores the business potential.

Additionally, golf technology companies, media platforms, and brands eager to engage with younger fans will find a natural home in TGL’s ecosystem. This could lead to significant investment in golf innovation and infrastructure.

By featuring the game’s top talent in a new format, TGL may help create new golf stars who are not just great athletes but also compelling personalities tailored for the media age. Woods and McIlroy themselves are examples, but the league will provide a platform for emerging players to shine and build fan bases.

While 2027 may seem far away, preparations for TGL are well underway. The league’s leadership is working on securing venues, broadcasting deals, franchise partnerships, and technology integration. The excitement is building within golf circles and among sports media.

For Sheila Ford Hamp and the Motor City Golf Club, the journey to 2027 will be critical for establishing roots in Detroit and engaging local fans through outreach programs, golf clinics, and community events.

Fans can expect announcements on player drafts, team lineups, and league rules in the coming years, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular launch.

Tiger Woods commented on the league’s goals:
“Rory and I wanted to create something that modernizes golf without losing its soul. TGL is about competition, excitement, and bringing a new generation into the game.”

Rory McIlroy emphasized the team aspect:
“Golf is an individual sport, but TGL brings a team dynamic that will add new dimensions — strategy, camaraderie, and rivalry — which we think fans will love.”

Sheila Ford Hamp spoke about her Motor City Golf Club involvement:
“Detroit is a city of resilience and passion, and we’re excited to bring the thrill of TGL to our community. This is a chance to grow golf in new ways and connect with fans who crave fast-paced, innovative sports entertainment.”

No ambitious project is without hurdles. TGL must carefully balance innovation with tradition to win over existing golf fans while attracting newcomers. The league’s financial viability, securing top players’ commitments, and maintaining competitive integrity will be key.

However, with Woods, McIlroy, and Ford Hamp at the helm, the league is in experienced hands. Their track records in golf and sports business give TGL a strong chance to succeed.

The co-founding of the TGL league by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy — combined with Sheila Ford Hamp’s entry through the Motor City Golf Club — signals a seismic shift in golf’s future. Scheduled to launch in 2027, the league promises to blend technology, entertainment, and competition into a revolutionary golf experience.

This new chapter could reshape how the game is played, watched, and loved, broadening golf’s appeal to millions of new fans around the world. With visionary leaders guiding the way, the TGL league may just be the spark that ignites golf’s next golden era.