Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL to feature 15-hole matches, overtime and lots of technology

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Category: Sports

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. contour / ˈkɒn tʊər / (n.) – the shape of a place or land, especially the one formed by its edge or its surface
    Example:

    Architects consider the contours of land when designing new buildings.


  2. deploy / dɪˈplɔɪ / (v.) – to use something, such as resources, in a planned and effective way for a specific purpose
    Example:

    The company has deployed a new software system to improve efficiency.


  3. credibility / ˌkrɛd əˈbɪl ɪ ti / (n.) – the quality of being trusted and respected, usually because of having a good history of being so
    Example:

    The scientist’s research and published studies have established his credibility in the field of medicine.


  4. pitch in / pɪtʃ ɪn / (phrasal v.) – to begin participating with others in a helpful task or activity
    Example:

    The whole neighborhood has pitched in to clean up the park after the festival.


  5. apex / ˈeɪ pɛks / (n.) – the highest point of something, such as a shape, object, or structure
    Example:

    Many climbers try to reach the apex of the mountain.


Article

Read the text below.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are bringing modern technology to the royal and ancient game with TGL, a team-based golf league played over 15 holes that combines an oversized simulator with actual shots to a tech-infused green that can change contours depending on the shot. TGL debuts on January 9 before the Masters at the newly constructed SoFi Center in Florida.


“If you take the macro-view, we have a sport with 600 years of history and tradition that we’re now combining with technology that exists and has never been deployed in this manner,” said Mike McCarley, founder and CEO of TMRW Sports, which developed TGL.


“You combine history and credibility with a new access to golf, and I think it broadens the fan base … making golf relevant to new groups of people in new ways.”


The concept—15 holes, a mix of alternate shot and singles, the scoring system—is unlike anything else in golf. McCarley said it was developed through brainstorming involving him, Woods, McIlroy, and their management groups.


Woods favored alternate shot to bring in more strategy, particularly because the players will be wearing microphones.


As for the actual competition, it starts with a tee shot from one of two areas—35 yards away or 20 yards away from a screen that is 64 feet by 46 feet, roughly 20 times the size of a standard simulator. The ball needs to be in the air for a half-second before hitting the massive screen for all the data to register and simulate the shot.


From there, the next shot to the big screen will be played from either real fairway grass, rough, or sand, depending on the accuracy of the tee shot. Once players get within 50 yards, they play actual shots to a green complex that is larger than four basketball courts.


Top golf course designers have pitched in to help design the holes.


SoFi Center is built at Palm Beach State College in Florida, a 250,000-square-foot arena with a 75-foot-high apex. It can hold about 1,600 spectators, and the “course” is about the size of a football field.


The idea is for the matches to last about the length of a basketball game.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • TGL is a new golf league that uses a simulator that can change contours depending on the shot. If you were to play golf, would you prefer the oversized simulator or would you rather play in the traditional golf course? Why? What could be the advantages and disadvantages of both? Discuss.
  • Mike McCarley said that TGL can broaden golf’s fan base because they’re combining traditional golf and technology. Why do you think it is important to broaden the sport’s fan base (ex. to enhance golf’s image, to increase revenue)? Do you think TMRW Sport will be successful in doing so? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • How do you feel about the inclusion of technology in sports, specifically in a sport like golf that has a long history and tradition (ex. I don’t like it, I look forward to it)? Does the use of technology take away the value of traditional sports? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you believe this fusion of traditional and modern elements will be well-received by the golfing community? Why or why not? How will the participation of respected players like Woods and McIlroy in the development of TGL influence the community’s acceptance of it (ex. it will induce trust among other players, it will make TGL very popular)? Discuss.