World No.4 Jon Rahm and world no.8 Justin Thomas have become the first two PGA Tour players, outside of founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, to commit to playing in The Golf League, a new series of 15 made-for-TV events that are set to take place on Monday nights during the 2024 golf season.
The announcement was made by TMRW Sports co-founders Woods, McIlroy and founder and CEO Mike McCarley.
McCarley said: “Justin and Jon are tremendous additions to join Tiger and Rory as the next PGA TOUR players announced as part of TGL. Both are major champions who have spent time as the number one player in the world and have represented their home countries in golf’s biggest team match-play events.
“They are well-respected among their peers as among the best players in the world and for the way they conduct themselves as professionals. World-class golfers like Justin and Jon are the cornerstones of TGL as we blend elements of the traditional game with a new, short-form format designed specifically for modern media consumption.”
Thomas, a dual major winner, and with multiple Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup appearances, said: “Team golf events have always been highlights throughout my career, as the ‘US vs them’ mentality fuels my competitive spirit. I am proud to be a foundational player of TGL and while I am eager to test my skills once the league launches, I am eager to be a voice alongside Tiger, Rory and Jon, in helping to shape the league, and help expand the audience for the sport I love.”
Rahm, who won last week’s DP World Tour Championship, added: “As soon as I learned about TGL, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it. As an avid user of the latest tech in golf with launch monitors, simulators and virtual greens and my personal passion for gaming, I immediately recognized the potential for TGL to introduce golf to a broader global audience — especially younger fans. I’m proud to announce my commitment to compete and help shape the future of golf for the next generation.”
TGL will feature six teams of three PGA Tour players in a head-to-head, 18-hole match play set out in a short-game arena within a two-hour time frame. The schedule will include 15 regular season Monday night matches followed by semi-finals and a final. Details of the prize money structure has yet to be announced.