TGL’s innovative format hasn’t been the easiest for traditional golf fans to accept. The idea of playing golf indoors, using simulators instead of real fairways, feels off to many long-time enthusiasts. Even with legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at the helm, some of the sport’s most passionate followers struggle to connect with this new approach. Interestingly, even those involved in the league have expressed uncertainty about its direction.
One of the earliest skeptics was Rickie Fowler, a player on the TGL roster. Before the league even kicked off, he openly questioned how it would all come together, admitting he wasn’t sure how Woods’ vision would materialize. Despite these doubts, TGL has seen strong support from fans, with impressive television ratings and packed arenas. Still, concerns about long-term sustainability persist.
Professional golfer Aman Gupta recently opened up about TGL during an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. When asked about his thoughts on the league’s modern and youth-driven appeal, Gupta acknowledged his familiarity with the setup due to living close to the Palm Beach Gardens facility. He shared that he had seen parts of the competition on TV and had friends who attended events.
However, Gupta was honest about his views, saying he didn’t quite understand the excitement around TGL. While he appreciated the concept and recognized what the league is trying to achieve, he admitted that, as a golfer, his personal preference is to watch the sport played outdoors on an actual course. He echoed the sentiments of many traditionalists, saying that despite its shorter and more casual nature—which could attract newer fans—indoor golf just isn’t for him.
He did concede that the league’s format could help grow the game by engaging new audiences, and in that regard, he believes it’s beneficial. Still, he made it clear that TGL doesn’t appeal to him personally.
Gupta isn’t alone in his views. Several others in the golf world have voiced skepticism about TGL. LIV Golf’s Ian Poulter, for instance, questioned whether people would actually tune in to watch players hit balls into screens on a weeknight. That doubt seems less valid now, as the league gains traction, but early on, uncertainty was common.
D.J. Piehowski, host of the No Laying Up podcast, also criticized the format, referring to the digital courses as “fake holes in a fake world.” His comments reflected the larger confusion many shared before seeing how TGL would actually unfold.
In the end, while TGL is shaking things up and proving to be popular with a broader audience, it remains a polarizing development in the golf world. Traditionalists like Aman Gupta may not fully embrace it, but there’s no denying it’s opening up new possibilities for the future of the sport.