TGL Golf: The Future of Golf Entertainment or Just Casual Fun? The golf world is buzzing with excitement about the new TGL Golf League, an innovative concept that brings the game into a high-tech stadium environment. With top players squaring off in a simulator-like setting and the promise of fast-paced, TV-friendly action, it’s certainly an intriguing evolution of how we experience golf. But is it the revolution we’ve been waiting for—or just a glammed-up version of mates having a laugh at the range? Golf as a Spectator Sport, ReimaginedIf you’ve ever played on a simulator or watched one of our own Golf Rooms events featuring Golfzon tech, you’ll know that this idea isn’t completely new. In fact, we’ve been part of similar events where amateur players competed on simulators while being broadcast on TV. The technology we use is incredibly accurate, measuring every aspect of the ball and club to replicate the on-course experience. The appeal of TGL lies in its combination of cutting-edge tech and a stadium atmosphere. While there’s something thrilling about watching top golfers in a new format, the truth is, if you’re watching at home, do you even need to see the actual ball flight anymore? Modern simulators display every metric you’d want, from spin rates to carry distance, in real-time. It’s golf stripped down to its essentials—numbers, data, and results—all without waiting for players to walk to their next shot. Better in Person? Maybe.Of course, the stadium experience could elevate TGL to another level. Sitting in the crowd, surrounded by fans, and watching the pros compete head-to-head in a high-tech venue would undoubtedly add energy and excitement. But even then, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the casual vibe—players bantering, quick-fire rounds—might make it feel less like a serious sporting event and more like an entertaining side show. Is Casual the New Competitive?That casual nature isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Golf has often struggled to shake off its reputation as overly formal or slow-paced, and TGL could be the perfect way to attract new fans. It’s more approachable, more relatable—and frankly, more fun. But for traditionalists, it might lack the tension and drama of a four-day major championship. The Role of Simulators in Golf’s FutureHere at the Golf Room, we’ve already seen how simulator technology can enhance the game for players and viewers alike. Whether you’re dialing in your game or competing with friends, simulators like Golfzon bring golf into environments where it’s more accessible and engaging. Events like TGL are simply taking that concept and applying it to the world’s best players. In a way, TGL feels like an extension of what we’ve already been doing. The tech is so good now that you don’t need to be on a course to see great golf. Watching the numbers roll in, tracking the action shot by shot—it’s just as immersive on a simulator as it is on TV. And while the stadium might add some glamour, for many fans, the best seat in the house might still be right where they’ve always been: at home or in their local Golf Room, playing and watching on the same cutting-edge systems. Our TakeawayTGL is a step forward in making golf more modern and approachable, and it’s exciting to see the game pushed in new directions. But as the tech improves, the line between watching golf on TV and experiencing it through a simulator is becoming increasingly blurred. Whether you’re watching TGL or taking part in your own simulator-based event, the future of golf entertainment looks a lot like what we’ve already been doing—making the game faster, more fun, and more accessible for everyone. What do you think about TGL? Does it make golf more exciting to watch, or is it just casual fun dressed up in a high-tech package? Let us know in the comments or come try it for yourself at the Golf Room! 🏌️♂️📺
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Why "Number of Putts" Alone Can Be Misleading in Golf Stats
Golfers love stats. Whether it’s fairways hit, greens in regulation, or total putts per round, we track numbers to find ways to improve. But not all stats are created equal, and one of the most misleading is number of putts. On its own, this number can paint an incomplete—and often completely inaccurate—picture of your putting performance. Let’s break it down. The Problem with "Number of Putts"A common misconception among golfers is that having a low number of putts automatically means you’re putting well. But in reality, the total number of putts doesn’t tell the whole story without knowing your proximity to the hole. Imagine this scenario:
On the flip side, a player who hits every green in regulation but leaves themselves 25-footers all day might have 34 putts. Does that mean they’re putting poorly? Not necessarily—they just didn’t leave themselves good opportunities. Proximity to the Hole Changes EverythingTo get a true measure of your putting performance, you have to combine proximity to the hole with the number of putts. Proximity tells you:
Without proximity data, you’re only looking at part of the picture. Why This Matters for Your GameRelying solely on putts per round can lead to bad conclusions:
Understanding this distinction allows you to focus on the right parts of your game:
The Right Stats to TrackIf you want a clearer picture of your game, focus on stats that provide context:
Final ThoughtsGolf stats are valuable, but only when viewed in context. The total number of putts can be wildly misleading without proximity data. The next time you analyze your round, ask yourself:
So, don’t stop at counting putts—dig deeper, and your game will thank you. Are you tracking the right stats? Start combining proximity and putting data, and you’ll unlock the key to better decision-making on the course. Challenging Stereotypes: Lexi Thompson's Performance Highlights the 'Gender Gap' in Elite Golf14/10/2023 In the world of professional golf, the margins between success and disappointment can be razor-thin. Lexi Thompson's recent experience at the Shriners Children's Open serves as a stark reminder of just how demanding this sport can be, and the discussions it has sparked about the so-called 'gender gap' in elite sports are more pertinent than ever. At this week's Shriners Children's Open, Lexi Thompson, one of the most accomplished female golfers, missed the cut by a mere three strokes. While the golfing world watched with bated breath, hoping to see her advance to the weekend rounds, Thompson's performance underlines a topic that frequently resurfaces in the realm of professional sports – the physical differences between male and female athletes. Lexi Thompson's pursuit of making the cut at a PGA Tour event is not about transgressing the boundaries of gender-specific sports. It's about challenging herself and testing her skills against the world's top male golfers. As she said herself, "making the cut will be her biggest achievement in golf," and her determination to do so should be celebrated. However, Thompson's journey at the Shriners Children's Open also shines a light on the disparities in physical attributes and how they can impact performance at the elite level. The 'gender gap' debate is not limited to golf; it spans various sports, including tennis, where Serena Williams has shared her perspective. Williams, one of the most successful female tennis players in history, has acknowledged that at the elite level, men's physical advantages in terms of speed and strength could be insurmountable for female athletes. In golf, this 'gender gap' becomes particularly evident when assessing the performance of top female players against their male counterparts. Lexi Thompson's impressive display over two rounds, where she held her own and even outperformed some PGA Tour winners playing from the same tees, is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. What becomes clear is that comparing elite women's golf to the average male golfer's game is like comparing apples to oranges. The notion that women's golf is "more realistic" for single-figure or scratch golfers couldn't be further from the truth. If you were to tee it up on an LPGA event as a male golfer with a 5 handicap or better, you would not only miss the cut but do so convincingly. The skill level required to compete at the highest level of women's golf is, without a doubt, world-class. The 'gender gap' in sports is a complex and multi-faceted issue, but it's essential to recognize that male and female athletes compete in different divisions based on a long history of performance disparities rooted in physical differences. Nonetheless, athletes like Lexi Thompson continue to break down these barriers, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in their respective sports. While the debate about gender differences in sports will undoubtedly continue, let's not forget to appreciate the incredible talent and dedication of athletes like Lexi Thompson. Her quest to make the cut at a PGA Tour event, although unfulfilled this time, serves as an inspiration for golfers of all genders, emphasizing that excellence knows no boundaries, and one's achievements should be measured by their determination and passion for the game. Adding the element of the course with different lies, obstacles and the pressure of a scorecard, will have an effect on your swing. Tempo can change and will your technical work hold up under pressure? If you're struggling, a few changes might be needed. Here are the two biggest (often mistakes) I see: Warm Up You should be avoiding any technical thoughts, you're not trying to improve your golf now, you're trying to see where the ball is going today! Pre Shot and intent You should have a pre shot routine and usually any movement should be consistent and help produce the shot you want to hit. Over the ball there are options, do you think of a position? The ball flight? or nothing? This is as much of a skill as the swing itself so get practicing and see what works best. One of the biggest challenges that many amateur golfers face is achieving the level of consistency they want. Despite their best efforts, they struggle to maintain a steady performance on the course, which can be frustrating and demotivating.
It's important to note that amateurs are not completely inconsistent, but rather their level of consistency may not meet their high expectations. Often, amateurs have unrealistic expectations for their performance, which can lead to disappointment and frustration. They may compare their game to professional players or higher-skilled amateurs, which can set them up for disappointment. Nine out of ten times its the reason we hear players want lessons in the first place. There are several reasons why amateurs struggle with consistency in golf. Top of the list, many amateurs lack a technique that helps an efficient and consistent delivery at impact, usually causing an inconsistency in the club face and strike. This would require an improvement technically, or an extremely high skill level which most amateurs wont posses as not enough time to practice. If you're new to the game, get lessons in early to understand some basics and how YOU can best deliver the club. For those that have been around a while, if consistency is still an issue, you need to raise you skill level while working on a mote efficient technique. More to come on this but check out the video below for a consistency issue we often see! TASK BASED LEARNING
Task-based learning is an approach to teaching and learning that focuses on developing practical skills through real-world tasks or challenges. In golf, task-based learning can be particularly advantageous because it allows golfers to develop their skills in a more natural and realistic way, rather than just practicing drills and exercises. One advantage of task-based learning in golf is that it helps golfers develop their problem-solving skills. Golf is a game that requires constant adjustments and adaptations based on the conditions of the course and the shot at hand. By practicing real-world tasks or challenges, golfers can develop their ability to make quick decisions and adjustments based on the conditions they are facing. Another advantage is that it helps golfers develop their feel for the game. Golf is a game that requires a certain level of touch, feel, and finesse, particularly when it comes to putting and short game shots. By practicing tasks that require precise control and feel, golfers can develop their ability to judge distances and control their shots with greater accuracy. Finally, it can also be more engaging and enjoyable than traditional practice methods. By practicing tasks that are challenging and meaningful, golfers can stay motivated and focused on their goals, rather than just going through the motions of a practice session. You'll practice longer with a deliberate focus receiving meaningful feedback each shot. During this (or any practice), you're expecting to hit a bad shot (relative to your ability) once every eight shots. If its more than that the task is too hard, less than that, its too easy and limited learning will take place. Find the 'Goldilocks zone' for you! Overall, task-based learning is an effective way to develop practical skills in golf and can help golfers improve their decision-making abilities, feel for the game, and overall enjoyment of the sport. Well, as you're on my website and maybe looking for lessons, then I hope you think they do or would! However, only 15% of golfers (players that play once per month) actually have lessons. Why? The top reason, before affordability, time etc is... most people think you'll go backwards before you go forwards. This is a myth, worst case scenario after one lesson is you'll leave with a better understanding of how to improve. On almost every occasion, players will leave a lesson with an improvement in ball flight, strike etc. What happens next however, is the reason players believe lessons don't work... If from a 60 minute lesson, you think a technical change will stick when you play on the course the following day, it wont. You'll go back to default. Depending how that round goes I'll get one of the following messages... "Oli, changes worked great! shot the lowest round of the year so far!" or "Implemented the changes from the lesson on the course and it wasn't working." or BOTH!.... "Thanks again for the lesson, really enjoyed it and looking forward to starting the programme. I played a round Friday that went really well! Then again Sunday which was awful!" In both situations, 99% of the time there would have been no change in the swing technically. What can change instantly; decision making, expectations, understanding. All of which would improve your scores. The technical changes usually take longer. Interviewer: So what have you been working on with Colin (Morikawa)? Rick Sessinghaus (coach): Well, kinda the same thing for the last 3 years 3 years! Best ball striker in the world is still working on technical improvements. Check out JTs comment below! So when you see coaches (including myself), post 'before and after' swings from the same lesson. Even if this isn't a drill, its been done in a very sterile environment, not the course in an event. Big difference!
Technical changes take time! But, there is some good news! While working on technical changes, you can develop other parts of your game to improve! SKILL Lessons and practice (when competent) should include an aspect of skill development. Improving your skill can also help change technique and if this is a change in technique that was created by the player, it's usually a quicker change that will last longer. GAME MANAGEMENT AND EXPECTATIONS Most players would instantly save shots if they were realistic with yardages and accepted their miss. Measure your practice and dont assume you'll hit your best 150 yards baby fade with your 7 iron each shot. Remember, you've also got a 120 weak slice as part of your shot pattern. So yes, lessons do work but they should include skill development, game management as well as just drills for technical changes. Regular feedback between coach and player is also crucial to help ensure nothing slips back to default. This can be done online between lessons and if you're down at Tee Box, all your practice is recorded! Lesson programmes work, one off quick tips don't. What’s your go to club after a quick warm up on the range? 7 iron?
Are you one of those who likes to ‘work your way though the bag'?’ Training well should be easier than ever these days. Lots of technology available on the range to test and measure your skills. However, if you don’t know what to work on, how will you improve? Monitoring your progress on and off the course will save you so many shots! To get started, I’ve recommended the TaylorMade My Round Pro App and Arccos. However, if you’d like to take part in a free trial on a new app, click here In the meantime, here is an example of how you can use your lessons and stats to start to train better! Tee Box London - Leadenhall . NOW OPEN
The biggest indoor centre in the city complete with 10 Trackman 4 bays and a zen putting green to come. Want to check out the impressive new venue? Click here for a free swing evaluation Been a loads of great golf to start the year on the @europeantouretd . @tyrrellhatton didn’t have the best time on the 18th at @yaslinksad in a couple of rounds.
Safe to say the entertaining, out-spoken Tyrrell was going to share his thoughts… “It must be one of the worst par 5s that I’ve ever seen in my life and, over the last two days, I’ve clearly played it about as well as it was designed,” Hatton said on Saturday. “What’s wrong with it? Where do you start? It shouldn’t have a bunker in the middle of the fairway, and it shouldn’t be over 600 yards from a forward tee. If you hit a good drive as a pro you should have at least a chance to go for the green in two, otherwise the hole becomes a par 3 and that’s if you play it well.” “That I would love for a bomb to drop on it and blow it up to oblivion to be honest,” he said. “It's just such a terrible finishing hole. And the fact that they moved the tee back today is ridiculous. I hit a really good tee shot and still got 290 front. I could peg-up driver up and still not get there. It would be a much better finishing hole if you're actually rewarded for hitting the fairway, which as it stands, you're not.” What's the worst hole you've played? |
AuthorOli Tucker Archives
January 2025
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