Is golf changing for the better, or are we in danger of losing what makes the game so special? That question’s been rattling around my mind lately, especially with the rise of simulator golf taking centre stage, not just in practice sessions or coaching clinics but on television.
Don’t get me wrong, simulators have their place. They’re brilliant for teaching pros with limited space or for golfers looking to dodge foul weather. Plenty of enthusiasts have set them up at home in their garages to fine-tune their swings or play a few holes as a glorified computer game. But how on earth has this evolved into a televised spectacle?
Yes, I’m talking about TGL. Some might find it entertaining, and fair play to them, but I’m struggling to see the appeal. With the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf all being broadcast globally, do we really need to fill the gaps with simulator golf? Watching players try to be funny and play up to the cameras feels a bit forced. They’re not actors or comedians; they’re golfers, and their stage should be the course—not an artificial arena with synthetic bunkers and greens.
I get that TGL aims to bring golf to a younger, tech-savvy audience. Innovation isn’t a bad thing, and I’ve been wrong before. With Tiger Woods involved, there’s clearly been plenty of thought (and data analysis) projecting success. But for me, golf’s magic lies in its authenticity—on a real course with natural challenges.
Speaking of innovation, my academy at Emirates Golf Club has been a real success story. It was fantastic to showcase it during the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and it’s getting plenty of use as I work with Brooks Koepka ahead of the LIV Golf season in Riyadh. We’ve been testing new balls and gathering vital data. Technology like this is invaluable, and it’s fascinating to see how equipment tweaks can impact performance.
On the subject of performance, Tyrrell Hatton’s win at the Classic was a standout moment.
His fiery outbursts might divide opinion, but they remind me of myself back in the day. I needed that fire to get the best out of my game, though I couldn’t sustain it for four rounds! Tyrrell’s win is a timely reminder that LIV players remain competitive across all tours. His position in the Official World Golf Ranking, despite limited starts, should give others in LIV a confidence boost heading into the season.
The LIV opener in Riyadh will be one to watch, especially with night golf under the lights. Night golf works well for amateurs juggling work or escaping the summer heat, but for a top-tier event? I’m not so sure. Depth perception will be a challenge, and whoever adjusts quickest could grab the win. Don’t be surprised if it’s a first-time champion.
As the season unfolds, LIV players will be laser-focused on the Majors and the Ryder Cup and balancing schedules in 2025 will be critical. Success in the big ones comes down to preparation and peaking at the right time.
I know many of my players are keen for the season to get underway and get playing competitive golf again after the winter break. Their main focus, as all ways will be the Majors, but we need to find ways to get more competitive rounds under their belts. As winning the big ones is all about preparation and peaking at the right time. It will be interesting to see how the LIV players balance their schedules in 2025 with the Majors and lastly the Ryder Cup as their primary goals.
Finally, as a Callaway ambassador I get asked a lot about my thoughts on the latest equipment releases as I will have seen it in play with the players for a couple of months before things get released to the public. So, the hot topic is the new Elyte driver range. The first thing I noticed with the driver was it sounds great and that is something a rarely say these days about a driver. A lot of the players are saying the same thing and definitely more forgiving. I know Worldwide Golf is doing a performance test at our academy for the March issue, so it will be interesting to see how the numbers compare. But I would expect it to be slightly longer but with a tighter dispersion. As if the Tour players are finding it more forgiving, imagine what the amateurs will gain!
