21 August 2023 , 14:38
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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's virtual golf league 'TGL' has been given a huge boost thanks to the investment of American billionaire Arthur Blank.
Woods and McIlroy announced their plan to roll out TGL last year, on the back of threat LIV Golf posed to the PGA Tour following its inception in June 2022. A whole host of big name players have announced they will take part in the league, including the two founders.
As well as Woods and McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Colin Morikawa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Adam Scott and Billy Horschel have all committed to playing when the virtual series begins in 2024.
The latest man to get involved with TGL is billionaire entrepreneur Blank. The American has ownership in two Atlanta sports clubs in NFL franchise the Atlanta Falcons, as well as Major League Soccer club Atlanta United. Blank is also an investor in TGL's parent company TMRW Sports.
The Atlanta sports tycoon has purchased the rights to own the Georgian city's team that will take part in the virtual golf league. Discussing his investment, Blank told Front Office Sports: "I think the use of simulation will attract a disproportionate number of younger fans, which I think are important, just generally, but specifically the game of golf.”
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He went on: "The whole notion of ‘how do you bring simulation in sports and other activities to a greater fan base’ is important. We continue to look for ways to expand our footprint in the world of football, American football, soccer, and now in golf.”
Keen to 'grow the game', Blank said in a statement: "We are thrilled to partner with TMRW Sports and be a founding owner in TGL. I see this as an investment to grow the game, deliver an innovative product to avid fans while exposing golf to new, younger audiences, and another way for us to compete for championships for Atlanta.
"We will put our best foot forward in effort to achieve all three goals and to help TGL achieve success in any way we can.” The billionaire is the third confirmed owner of a TGL team. Blank joins Liverpool FC owners Fenway Sports Group, who have taken charge of the Boston team.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams are also involved, taking ownership of the Los Angeles setup. Three further franchises will be added to the league before it kicks off at the beginning of next year.