TGL Golf’s Technology Has Serious Issues: 15 Specific Criticisms

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2025 TGL Opening Night
Players line up a putt on opening night of the TGL presented by SoFi at SoFi Center on Jan 7, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins for TGL via Getty Images)

No. Not even a broken-down Tiger Woods is hitting a wedge shot two clubs too long and or regularly missing four- and five-foot putts by a full ball width.

But when you’re playing in a technology reliant simulation, this kind of stuff will happen… regularly. And that’s a huge problem.

Here are 15 specific criticisms regarding the technology used in TGL Golf:

  1. Lag and Latency: There have been instances where the ball’s behavior simply didn’t jive with real-world expectations, causing skepticism about the technology’s ability to simulate golf accurately. Even slight delays in the response time of the simulator can affect shot outcomes, leading to questions about fairness and precision in high-stakes competitive play.
  2. Physics Simulation: There have been observations where the physics of ball movement, especially on the rotating green, don’t come close to matching what would happen on a real golf course, potentially skewing matches and games, and causing trust issues in the betting markets.
  3. Calibration Issues: The high-tech setup requires significant calibration and maintenance, and there’s concern about how well this can be managed to ensure consistent performance week after week, night after night. The need for constant updates of the technology to ensure accuracy is seen as a red flag and weak point to tech experts, especially if it disrupts the flow of the game or leads to inconsistent play conditions.
  4. Visual Clarity vs. Distraction: While the high-definition screens are visually appealing, they can sometimes be too much, with critics pointing out that they might distract from the core golf experience or be overwhelming for viewers trying to follow the game. Additionally, the integration of tech into the match format sometimes feels forced or distracting. There’s debate over whether the tech enhances the experience or if it’s a gimmick that doesn’t add substantial value to the sport.
  5. Player Adaptation: Golfers accustomed to traditional play might find the tech interface clunky or counterintuitive, leading to a learning curve that could detract from the quality of play in early matches. Furthermore, will golfers find the tweaks needed to perform in simulation golf negatively impacting their performance in real PGA Tour events. 
  6. Shot Tracking: The technology used to track shots and provide analytics might not always capture the nuances of a swing or ball flight that experienced golfers and fans can see, potentially leading to disputes or misinterpretations.
  7. Weather Simulation: Simulating outdoor conditions like wind or rain within an indoor setting is challenging, and critics argue that the current tech might not adequately replicate these elements, affecting a player’s strategy.
  8. Camera Angles and Replay: While offering multiple camera angles is beneficial, there’s criticism that the choice of angles and the quality of replays might not always capture the best view of the action, leading to missed moments or poor visual storytelling. The integration of tech into the match format sometimes feels forced or distracting. Critics argue that the focus should be on golf skills rather than on showcasing the technology for its own sake.
  9. Audio Experience: The sound of the ball striking the virtual green or the simulator’s feedback sounds might not feel authentic, which can be jarring for both players and spectators used to the natural acoustics of golf.
  10. Green Technology: The rotating green, meant to mimic different putting scenarios, has faced scrutiny for not always behaving the way a natural green would, potentially affecting player’s performance and strategy, as well as the expectations of a bettor.
  11. Fan Interaction: Technologies meant to engage fans, like interactive apps or AR features, might not be fully integrated or could be buggy, potentially alienating fans rather than enhancing their experience.
  12. Betting Trust: Concerns about the technology’s performance under the scrutiny of live betting. Any glitch or malfunction can significantly detract from the viewing experience and the competition’s integrity related to gambling. While real golf courses are maintained by greenskeepers using lawnmowers and fertilizers. Virtual courses updated using patches and upgrades. Can they be trusted to always perform the same after a new patch? Can the programmer rig the systems for certain players or teams and place their own bets?
  13. Feedback and Data: The technology’s ability to provide real-time, accurate feedback to players and viewers has been questioned. There’s a balance to strike between providing useful data and overwhelming or misleading with it. Even the players looked perplexed after hitting a drive they assumed was perfect.
  14. Spectator Experience: For those in the arena or watching at home, there’s debate over whether the tech enhances the experience or if it’s a gimmick that doesn’t add substantial value to the sport. For those new to golf or TGL, the technology might introduce a layer of complexity that makes the game harder to understand, potentially limiting the league’s appeal to a broader audience.
  15. Innovation vs. Tradition: Some purists argue that TGL’s tech-heavy approach moves too far from what golf traditionally is, potentially alienating fans who prefer the classic golf experience. These criticisms underline the challenges of blending advanced technology with the sport of golf, where tradition and precision are highly valued.

While TGL’s technology is groundbreaking, these criticisms highlight the challenges of merging new tech with a centuries-old sport in a way that respects both innovation and the essence of golf.

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