Phil Mickelson issues surprise TGL claim

The inaugural season of TGL wrapped up last night, and it appeared to go out on a high.

The tech-infused indoor golf league, backed by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, has raised eyebrows since its inception. However, those were squashed in the finale.

Atlanta Drive GC claimed a 2-0 win over New York Golf Club in the final series, banking Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Justin Thomas, and Lucas Glover a split of the $9 million total prize fund.

Horschel, who went viral earlier in the league season for his ‘dirty bird’ dance, stole the show again when he nailed a crucial putt that sparked wild celebrations.

And, according to golf personality Dan Rapaport, the moment played its part in a successful first step.

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“TGL a huge success in Year 1,” he wrote on X. “Plain and simple. So many viral moments. Additive to the current landscape without taking anything away.

“Enjoyed it way more than I thought I would, and I think a tonnnnn of people feel the same way.”

Almost immediately after, Rapaport was proved right – by none other than six-time major champion and current LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson.

The 54-year-old is unable to tee it up in the simulator league but made his – overwhelmingly positive – feelings on TGL clear.

“That’s great news!” Mickelson replied. “It would be great for golf if this were to succeed.

“The golf fan is the most loyal fan in sports. Buy a ticket, walk miles and see a fraction of the action, but this could allow the golf fan to buy a ticket, sit down and watch of the action just like other sports.

“It could really be good for the game if it’s compelling.”

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While TGL only currently involves PGA Tour stars, Mike McCarley, the co-founder of TMRW Sports, has hinted at changing that in the near future.

In fact, bringing LIV Golfers in is an idea he’s open to, should the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed circuit solve their dispute.

“Oh yeah. Yes, absolutely,” he told Sports Business Journal, when asked if TGL had a list of potential LIV players in mind. “But the reality is, we have a good business in what we have right now.

“I know it’s interesting and I know everyone’s talking about it and I know it’s fun to kind of pontificate on what could or could not be, but we have a job to do.

“We’ve got to deliver a really compelling product.”

It’s unclear when TGL will return for a second season – or how it will look.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.