By Rahul Banerji
Arena golf league TGL, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, hit a pre-launch setback with the pullout of world number three Jon Rahm last week.
The Masters champion and world number three said on social media that he would not be part of TGL’s inaugural season.
Inevitably, it led to speculation over whether or not the Spaniard is headed for LIV Golf League which completed a successful season last month and is looking to refill its roster with slots falling vacant.
Meanwhile, TGL is moving forward with the announcement of added playing conditions including a shot clock, timeouts and the presence of a referee.
The TGL website said each player would have 40 seconds to complete a shot, failing which a team would be penalised a stroke. Each three-man team would also have four timeouts, limited to two per session.
A TGL match will comprise of two sessions, a nine-hole “triples” (three-ball) competition and six singles, while the referee will be an on-field presence as in sports like football and baseball.
Posted confirmation
Earlier, posting on social media, Rahm said: “I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season.
“While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer. Best of luck to everyone envolved and may the best team win!”
In a statement, TGL added: “We will miss him during the inaugural TGL season.
“We understand that players have to balance a lot of different facets of their professional and personal lives and respect Jon’s choice and wish him well.”
TGL is promoted by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and sports executive Mike McCarley of TMRW Sports with support from the PGA Tour.
Speaking on Rahm’s pullout in Boston on Monday, four-time major winner McIlroy said, “I spoke to Jon a couple days ago and would be very, very surprised if that were to happen … I’m pretty confident Jon is a PGA Tour player,”
Rahm is prime property in the golf market with a memorable 2023 in the course of which he won the Masters at Augusta National, was runner-up at The Open in July and picked up three titles on the PGA Tour.
Missing faces
His absence from a loaded PGA Tour roster that is also missing world number one Scottie Scheffler and Norway’s Viktor Hovland, will be a significant one for a venture that is seeking to gain early traction in its first season.
Also on Monday, Boston Common Golf unveiled McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, and Tyrrell Hatton as their first-season signings
“These four remarkable golfers have achieved an extraordinary list of accolades as individuals,” said Fenway Sports Group principal owner John Henry who also owns Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox.
“…Together as a group, they convey an unmistakable sense of exceptionalism that not only commands respect but also instills a profound sense of awe, especially among their competitors.
“Rory, Tyrrell, Keegan, and Adam stand at the very heart of our team’s potential for success in this groundbreaking venture and we extend our gratitude to each of them for embarking on this journey with us.
“As a co-founder of this visionary league, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Rory and for the partnership we have with Sean O’Flaherty of Symphony Ventures who has been indispensable in helping us build Boston Common Golf.
Added McIlroy, “TGL brings a unique dimension to the game, and I can’t wait to stand with Adam, Keegan, and Tyrrell as my teammates.”
Also read: Tiger Woods-backed TGL arena golf league set for Jan. launch
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