Bryson DeChambeau strides up the fairway during The Showdown match in December.
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We’re attempting to be cautious. We’re aiming to be pragmatic. We’re even striving to be patient, perhaps even failing! Nevertheless, the TGL is certainly a great source of entertainment, having fulfilled many of its ambitious expectations during its introduction this week. Observing a golf brand actually uphold what it promised feels somewhat unique in this period, yet it leads one to ponder … what could TGL resemble at its peak?
Or more appropriately, who might participate at its peak?
The inaugural night at the SoFi Center was indisputably a triumph. Following this is Tiger Woods’ debut on the mixed-reality platform, set for Tuesday. The league won’t struggle with marketing that (or Woods’ other appearances) thanks to the primetime exposure of ESPN. However, as the season progresses and any outstanding issues in the system are adjusted, it will become clear that the TGL houses a wealth of talent — yet not all the talent.
With exclusively six teams of four players each, numerous prominent figures in the game are involved, although many others are absent. This is my immediate thought when contemplating TGL’s potential for expansion toward its theoretical maximum. Who else might become engaged to elevate arena golf to its fullest potential?
The answer isn’t necessarily Scottie Scheffler, the top player globally. Nor is it Jordan Spieth, the three-time major champion who’s as popular as ever but is currently recovering from a wrist injury that necessitated surgery. Both players hail from Texas and both would enhance TGL significantly, no doubt. However, both had the opportunity to join, and both chose not to. Spieth and Scheffler were not keen on adding additional travel to their agendas while raising young families in Dallas.
Instead, there exists another Dallas inhabitant who would offer all the charm of Spieth and most of the talent of Scheffler. It’s Bryson DeChambeau.
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DeChambeau appears perfectly tailored for TGL, given his data-driven methodology. The spin rates measured and displayed on screen by TGL simulators — DeChambeau could essentially recall them from instinct alone. The constantly shifting contours of the dynamic green would have him captivated — in a way that’s hard to look away from. (Whether he appreciates it or not, a irritated DeChambeau is nearly as captivating as a joyful DeChambeau.)
The man thrives on being in the spotlight, and displaying his prowess at the core of our collective focus. A prime example is the aftermath of his U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst, where he joined Live From on Golf Channel, instructing Johnson Wagner on how to execute the bunker shot that clinched the title for DeChambeau. He rehearses fist-pump celebrations in front of a mirror. Every single day of his present life is a content-creation day.
One can envision DeChambeau sprinting to the brink of the arena to energize fans, exhibiting a gladiatorial spirit akin to pro golfers. The monetary value of the TGL product exists on screens, yet the true essence of this sports product lies within the ambiance of the arena, where around half of the audience occupies more subdued hospitality areas. For instance, for Week 7 of the TGL season to be vibrant, it will necessitate golfers putting in considerable effort to fuel it, employing more than merely their 7-irons.
Another crucial aspect of DeChambeau: he’s not universally appealing. He never has been. Nonetheless, DeChambeau’s popularity has surged in recent times, largely due to his content generation and collaborations with various YouTube golfers. He has orchestrated extremely well-received “Break 50” competitions with notable figures like Tom Brady to president-elect Donald Trump. He even shared the stage with Trump during the electoral season.
All these factors render him highly visible, but not necessarily adored by everyone. (Additionally, he plays at a pace that could lead to shot clock violations.) Many devoted PGA Tour fans have resisted DeChambeau’s recent rise, standing firm against his departure to LIV Golf and participation in a lawsuit against the PGA Tour. His mere presence would introduce some guaranteed excitement to the events, acknowledging how much several of the TGL players would relish defeating him. Or how much onlookers might enjoy cheering against him.
Regrettably, DeChambeau as a TGL participant isn’t in the cards … at least not currently. He has his own team golf obligations elsewhere, commencing in Saudi Arabia in just a few weeks. Furthermore, TGL is partially owned by the PGA Tour, implying that no LIV golfers will be involved, at least until the Tour and the Saudi PIF finalize a deal to unify the sport. But might we witness this occur in the future?
In a scenario where the Tour and the PIF finalize an agreement, it would be among the first inquiries made. Securing DeChambeau’s involvement in the Players Championship would be a top priority, but integrating him into the Tour’s innovative, tech-enhanced side venture would likely follow closely behind.
Would you like to see DeChambeau participate in the TGL? Who else would you prefer to see? Comments are welcomed by the author at sean.zak@golf.com.