Media speculation has been correct with super Spaniard Jon Rahm ruling himself out in being a part of next January’s start to the inaugural Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy hosted TGL Series.
Rahm’s name had been removed from the TGL website that prompted then unconfirmed news that Rahm was no longer involved in the Series.
His omission led also to suggestions the reigning Masters champion had jumped the PGA Tour/DP World Tour ship to sign with LIV Golf.
No doubt fearful of any further negative publicity and Rahm took to his ‘X’ social media account to confirm his real reason:
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!
— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmpga) November 2, 2023
Woods and McIlroy announced the formation of the series in August last year, and while some have argued that what Woods and McIlroy are planning is no different to LIV Golf, it will see 18 of the world’s best golfers compete in events held in a custom-built arena in Florida. The format will use golf simulators for some aspects with the hope of offering fans a shorter, different golf viewing experience.
The project also is in partnership with the PGA Tour but has received funding from a host of celebrity investors including Lewis Hamilton, Lebron James, Justin Beiber, Shaquille O’Neal and Justin Timberlake amongst others.
TGL has six teams, each made up of four golfers. Each match will see three players from each team compete, meaning that one player will be rested from each team.
The format will see two teams face off in a 15-hole match which is split into two distinct sections. The first nine holes are “triples”, a three-man alternate shot format akin to the style of Ryder Cup foursomes. The final six holes are “singles” whereby each hole is one-on-one with both teams rotating their three golfers each hole.
As mentioned, the Series will get underway on January 9th, 2024 and wind-up before April’s Masters.
Woods and McIlroy will both be participating in the format though Woods has not competed in a professional tournament since he withdrew from this years Masters during his third round.
The full list of golfers set to compete is:
Tiger Woods
Rory McIlroy
Collin Morikawa
Rickie Fowler
Matt Fitzpatrick
Xander Schauffele
Max Homa
Justin Thomas
Adam Scott
Billy Horschel
Justin Rose
Shane Lowry
Tommy Fleetwood
Tyrrell Hatton
Tom Kim
Keegan Bradley
Cameron Young
Sahith Theegala
Kevin Kisner
Wyndham Clark
Patrick Cantlay
Lucas Glover
Min Woo Lee
