The second season of TGL is almost here – and it promises to look radically different from this year’s.
League of simulators with technology was moderately successful in its inaugural season as television ratings on ESPN were unspectacular, but still a solid improvement on the network’s previous programming in those timeslots (overall average of 500,000 viewers).
TGL has proven to have a high floor due to a lucrative television contract, the involvement of Tiger Woods (whose future participation as a player is uncertain due to another back operation) and the financial backing of many titans of the sports world.
The question now is whether there is a high ceiling as well.
Early returns were inconclusive. Despite some positive (and viral) moments in 2025, TGL suffered from uncompetitive matches, technological failures, awkward production, and overwhelmingly boring holes of virtual golf that looked more interesting than they played.
The rules and gameplay of the game continue to evolve dramatically. Making matches more compelling will be an absolute must if the league is to build on the novelty of the opening campaign.
The people behind TGL are aware of this and have made some sweeping changes as we head into 2026.
Will they work? Let’s take a look at four of the most interesting changes and what impact we think they will have.
1. Hole patterns have been updated with more risk-reward
Perhaps the most pressing issue for TGL coming out of the first season was addressing the monotonous gameplay.
Offering a virtual world of completely frivolous golf holes—includes lava, temples and island roads— Designers still couldn’t make players feel comfortable or force them to make awkward decisions.
Most of the time, players automatically pulled the driver and hit it in the same spot. Only a few holes forced real decisions.
TGL is promising that more of this season’s holes will be very strategic, enticing players to take a lot of risk. Each team will also receive a city/geography branded hole.
effect: This was my biggest disappointment with the first season of TGL. I’ll remain skeptical until we actually see some of the new models in action, but I’m glad there’s a movement here.
These are the best players in the world. Give them a series of challenges, such as separate fairways with safer or more dangerous routes to the hole. This will make every pose more meaningful and fun.
2. It has updated graphics
If you read MGS regularly, you are probably aware of our stance on TGL technology.
Unfortunately, Full Swing just isn’t the answer for this type of league where you have a 53-foot tall screen. We saw a lot of mistakes last year –and even a scenario where the simulator missed taking a hit entirely.
We doubt the tech component gets a makeover since Woods has a stake in Full Swing, but at least the graphics for the game are being updated.
This was another sore point last year as the virtual world looked a little too much like Golden Tee.
effect: It’s still crazy how the tech component is so shaky. The entire league is based on this technology and is not completely reliable.
However, it would be nice to see better graphics. Fans care more about the look and feel of the product than the accuracy of the simulator, so this is a smart investment.
3. Play areas are getting bigger
The placement area is now 38 percent larger (5,270 sq. ft.) to accommodate 12 hole sites instead of seven. The high point of that green is also lowered 18 inches to create a more natural and gradual slope, giving the audience a better perspective of the green.
With this change, we’ll also see larger bunkers (50 percent larger) and wider boxes to help with compartment management. The chipping areas have also been regraded, which can affect approach shots and the short game.
Effect: It is possible that we will see more greens being hit and more small shots being opened up, which would translate into more fun. TGL wants players to feel challenged but still have the opportunity to make a lot of birdies if they execute.
The putting green looked a bit wonky at times last year, so hopefully this will provide a more consistent surface that acts like a real green.
4. Matches are played on different days
Last year, matches were held exclusively on Mondays and/or Tuesdays.
This year, some Friday and Sunday games have been added to that Monday/Tuesday mix.
This includes an opening match on Sunday 28 December – an earlier start date than we saw last year – and a match on Friday 2 January. There will even be a prime-time Sunday match between the teams of Tiger and Rory McIlroy later in the season.
Effect: The downside here is that viewers still can’t get into any kind of routine knowing when TGL will be played. Even on Mondays and Tuesdays, the time periods change. There will be many scenarios where people stumble into a match without even realizing it was planned at the time.
The advantage is that certain weekend time periods are more favorable for ratings. This isn’t a locked-down part of the sports calendar, so TGL has to deal primarily with college basketball, the NBA, and the NHL. He will be largely out of the NFL except for the home opener at 3pm ET on Sunday.
Shutting down thoughts
There’s a lot to like about TGL, but there are still some warts to iron out.
All of these changes seem to have the potential to be beneficial. The improved game with better virtual holes is the most promising development.
TGL will have to show it can be successful without Tiger because there is no guarantee he will play again.
To do this, the product must be exciting, funny and a little weird.
That’s easier said than done, but TGL is making some promising strides with these changes.
Let’s see how things shake out for 2026 now that they’ve worked out some of the kinks.
How do you feel about these changes? Tell us in the comments.
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