The debut of TGL made waves with its innovative, fast-paced approach to golf, promising to shake up the sport with new rules and a vibrant atmosphere. Held at the SoFi Center, the event generated plenty of buzz even before it began. However, rumors swirled that the league had hired paid actors to fill the stands. Reports suggested these “seat fillers” were being offered $150 to $250 per event, along with free merchandise, to create an energetic and lively environment. These claims sparked controversy, as it wasn’t immediately clear whether the actors were present during live events or just for rehearsals.
Adam Freifeld, a spokesperson for TGL, confirmed that the league used seat fillers in a manner similar to award shows, emphasizing the intimate nature of the venue. TGL clarified that these actors were only involved during dress rehearsals and content creation, not during live broadcasts. Despite this, reports from WPTV insisted that the paid audience members were present for live events between January and March, further muddying the situation.
The controversy extended to the crowd’s behavior during TGL’s premiere. On the “Fore Play” podcast, the hosts criticized the event’s atmosphere, calling out the artificial nature of the cheering and chants. They noted instances where crowd enthusiasm seemed over-the-top, with chants being organized for teams that had just been created moments earlier. One host commented on the unnatural energy, citing a chant for the Bay Club as an example: “At one point I heard a Bay Club little chant with a little clap going on where it’s like, that’s not happening in reality.”
The hosts also questioned the league’s overall approach, suggesting that the format might be pushing too far from golf’s traditional roots. They felt the loud music and forced crowd participation detracted from the authenticity of the sport. One remarked, “I don’t think you need to change it up that much. It can still just be as close to golf as you want it to be.” These concerns add to the scrutiny TGL faces as it tries to find a balance between innovation and preserving the essence of golf.
Despite the criticism, the debut did have its successes. According to Nielsen ratings reported by Front Office Sports, nearly a million viewers—919,000 to be precise—tuned in to ESPN for the inaugural broadcast. This outperformed any LIV Golf broadcast on The CW in 2023 and 2024 and even surpassed last week’s PGA Tour season opener at The Sentry on Golf Channel and NBC. By comparison, a college basketball game in the same time slot last year drew 717,000 viewers, making TGL’s debut an undeniable success in terms of viewership.
The first match saw the Bay Golf Club defeat the New York Golf Club 9-2. Although Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy weren’t competing on the course, they made appearances in the broadcast booth alongside ESPN’s Matt Barrie, adding star power to the event. Looking ahead, Woods’s Jupiter Links Golf Club will face the Los Angeles Golf Club on January 16, followed by a match between McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf and Woods’s team on January 27. With 15 regular-season matches culminating in playoffs, TGL appears to have an exciting schedule lined up.
While the league’s debut has sparked debates about authenticity and innovation, its high ratings suggest that TGL has captured the public’s interest. Whether it can maintain this momentum while addressing criticisms remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the format has positioned itself as a bold new chapter in golf’sevolution.