NEW
Richmond-based CapTech is helping to drive innovation and G sport through data and technology
by MICHAEL J. STOTT
THE DIGITAL AGE entered golf long before last year’ s TGL debut. Think the GPS influence on simulators( late 1970s), computerized scoring( 1985), rangefinders( Bushnell, 1995), Topgolf( 2000), Trackman( 2004), Top Tracer Range( 2012), ad infinitum. And now? TMRW Sports’ TGL, which launched its second season on Dec. 28.
THE EVOLUTION OF TGL For years, critics have been ruing the length and pace of play. Broadcasters— prominent game proponents long looking to attract a younger audience— have clamored for shorter rounds, more action, and player personalization. It appears, at least for the time being, they have found it in TGL.
In essence, TGL is a competition pitting two teams of four PGA TOUR professionals who play 15 holes within two prime time television hours inside a stadium in front of a live audience. Competing golfers hit long shots into a 64x53-foot simulator screen 35 feet away on a virtual course. They then advance to a reshapable physical green for putting purposes. To enhance the gamesmanship, such additions as timeouts and hammers allow opponents to increase hole value or forfeit points.
TGL came to fruition thanks to a partnership with the PGA TOUR and cofounders of TMRW Sports— Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy, and Mike McCarley, who previously led the Golf Channel and global strategy for NBC Sports. Early on, McCarley understood the need for ultra-highspeed data required for televised sports and turned to CapTech, a Richmond-based technology consulting firm with a reputation for speed
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14 V IRGINIA G OLFER | J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2026 vsga. org