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As far as any real competition or drama during the first two weeks of TGL, there hasn’t been any.
Of course, it does not help when both matches are decided with at least five holes remaining.
“We’re still waiting for a match that’s really competitive going into the singles,” said Rory McIlory, who along with Tiger Woods created the indoor golf league.
But McIlroy may have to wait at least another week with Tuesday’s rosters appearing more lobsidded than the first two weeks.
Atlanta Drive GC makes his TGL debut against New York at 7 p.m. Tuesday at SoFi Center. Atlanta is the first TGL team to field a roster of three golfers inside the top 20 in the world: Patrick Cantlay (10), Justin Thomas (14) and Billy Horschel (18).
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New York played on opening night and was crushed by The Bay, 9-2. And that was with world No. 2 Xander Schauffele on the three-man roster. Cam Young, who did not play the first match, replaces Shauffele for New York’s second match and will team with Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick.
But week 1 was a barn burner compared to what we saw in Wood’s TGL debut in Week 2. Woods’ Jupiter Links was drubbed 12-1 by Los Angeles.
“We were entertaining,” Woods said. “We hit a lot of shots. I think the people here, they got to see how bad pros can be. It was just a boat race. Oh, my goodness.
“But we had a great time.”
But is that enough?
TGL’s TV ratings have been solid first two weeks
By all metrics, TGL has had a successful launch. The ratings are solid, attracting an average of 919,000 viewers for the two-hour opening-night telecast while peaking at 1.1 million; and increasing that viewership by 9% in Week 2 to more than 1 million viewers, peaking at 1.13 million.
Those numbers, though, certainly were enhanced by the curiosity/novelty factor for TGL’s unique concept in Week 1, and Woods’ debut in Week 2.
Perhaps a better gauge will be Tuesday.
“We obviously understand that this is very different than anything that’s been done before, and we also understand it’s not going to be for everyone,” McIlroy said. “So if you’re a complete traditionalist of the game, it’s probably not for you, but that’s fine. That’s not the audience that we’re going for.
“But it’s been fun. The players have had a lot of fun. I think the TV audiences are starting to grasp it hopefully and starting to grasp the format.”
Still, TGL is in desperate need of a match in which the final holes matter. The first two matches were decided early but they continued because of a rule devised to keep the competitors on the course through 15 holes no matter when the outcome is clinched so ESPN can fill its two-hour window.
But what the first two weeks have lacked in drama, it certainly made up for it in entertainment.
Rare glimpse of Tiger Woods’ fun side
Woods’ reaction to teammate Kevin Kisner skulling a sand wedge on No. 14 last week was a rare glimpse of a side rarely seen from an ultra-competitive athlete during competition. Kisner’s shot ricocheted off the flag stick towards the spectators. Woods laughed so hard he was doubled over several minutes later with tears in his eyes.
And his team was getting housed, trailing 10-1.
“That was honestly one of the funniest things I’ve seen,” Woods said.
And it says something that the most drama in the first two weeks occurred on Kisner’s next shot, when his chip from 58 feet, nearly went in, rimming out and settling two feet from the hole.
Perhaps moments such as these and the fact the television audience is privy to the players’ conversation with each being mic’d up, will keep the curiousity factor high.
But that will carry this unique attempt to expand golf’s reach only so far. Sooner or later, some drama will have to be sprinkled in.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: TGL Week 3 hopes for drama when Atlanta Drive GC meets New York GC
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