TMRW Sports
- Full Swing is already a PGA Tour licensee
- Will deliver simulation tech and software ahead of launch in January
TGL, the tech-focused golf series founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports’ venture, has signed up Full Swing as its official technology partner, with the firm’s innovations to power the gameplay element of the competition.
Technology is a foundational element of TGL which hopes its innovative, shorter format, coupled with some of the leading players in the sport, will appeal to a wider audience. Events will last for two hours in an arena setting, more akin to a soccer or basketball game than a golf tournament.
TMRW Sports is building a purpose-built facility at a ten-acre site at Palm Beach State College in Florida, housing a data-driven virtual course and a short game complex hosting putting and chipping.
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Full Swing’s simulation technology will be critical to TGL’s mechanics and follows a separate deal with digital agency Next League to deliver the fan engagement elements of the competition.
Full Swing’s virtual world environment will power virtual courses, displayed on a large screen in-venue, with a customised software platform helping to bring TGL tournaments to life, accurately recording shot distance and impact.
The firm will also build three virtual greens, each the largest ever constructed, equipped with 189 actuators and jacks to dynamically alter slopes and gradients. Other tech innovations include practice simulators and a touchscreen monitor-based virtual caddy system.
Full Swing is already an official PGA Tour licensee and its simulator technology is used by several of the TGL’s confirmed participants, including Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Woods himself. These relationships have been used to adapt and develop the technology for TGL’s inaugural season.
TGL has also launched the first images of the planned arena and competition space since it was announced last year.
“When we started looking at the technology required to make TGL a reality, I knew that Full Swing would be the key company I’d be comfortable working with to provide the best experience for players and viewers,” said Woods.
“I’ve used Full Swing for almost ten years now and they continually innovate to make the experience better across their entire product line that I use at home and on the range. This is why I trust Full Swing to help power a majority of TGL’s gameplay platform.”
“Across our simulator software experience, KIT launch monitor, and Virtual Green that can literally shift the type of putts the players will face, our entire product line will be represented with TGL,” added Ryan Dotters, Full Swing chief executive.
“We’re actively customising and super-sizing these tech solutions and several software platforms for the league’s unique needs.”
The first of 15 TGL team-based events is due to be held in January 2024, featuring some of the PGA Tour’s leading players. Alongside Woods and McIlroy, 12 players have committed to playing in the TGL, including Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Billy Horschel, and Rickie Fowler, all of whom will be assigned to one of six franchises.
Other TMRW Sports investors include Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton, Alex Albon, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. The National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Stephen Curry, the National Football League’s (NFL) Josh Allen, Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Trea Turner, the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Sidney Crosby, US soccer star Alex Morgan and tennis icon Venus Williams are among the other backers.
Connect Ventures, 25madison Ventures, Apex Capital, Excel Sports Management and Misfits Gaming Group are also on board.
