TGL debuts new hole 'Stinger' and receives heavy praise on social media
Cameron Jourdan- The TGL indoor golf league has introduced a new hole named "Stinger" in honor of Tiger Woods.
- The 414-yard, par-4 hole encourages a low "stinger" shot for a strategic advantage.
- The new hole design has received praise from fans for its creativity.
As the second season of TGL creeps closer and closer, with the first match set for Sunday, Dec. 28, between defending champion Atlanta Drive GC and New York Golf Club, a rematch of the championship match last year, there are a lot of talking points and promotion going on via social media to hype up Year No. 2 of the indoor social league.
On Tuesday, the league posted photos of its newest hole, called "Stinger," in honor of one of Tiger's signature shots. It's a 414-yard par-4, and the hole plays like this: "A natural rock formation extends from the left out in front of the tee box, encouraging players to hit a stinger no higher than 50 feet. Those brave and skillful enough to take it on successfully will be rewarded with a boost of extra roll beyond 260 yards into Position A on this double dogleg hole. There is an alternative option though, which is a short mid-to-high draw off the tee to skirt to the right of the rock formation. But where's the fun in that?"
Instantly, the hole was met with praise from the golf community, including me. Holes like this are exactly what TGL needs.
After the TGL debut last year, I wrote the following on the holes: "While there were no real-life holes played (or created, yet), TGL embracing the simulator portion of the event and having fun with hole designs should be embraced. These golfers play basic holes whenever they tee it up at TPC Craig Ranch or TPC Twin Cities or any of the other Tour venues that don't move the needle. The variety of holes and the risk-reward options players were given throughout the made, made it a bit more interesting than players just hitting into a towering screen all night." Yet as the season wore on, most of the holes were just a bit too plain for what TGL is.
It's a simulator league. The holes should be borderline asinine. Sure, these guys are competing for money and people can bet on the sport, so it has to be playable, but it's essentially video game golf. Why not make it as wacky as possible?
Not only is that more entertaining for the fans, but the players would probably enjoy it, too. The entire point of TGL was to be different, have fun and give some of the best players in the world a good break from life inside the ropes. Holes like "Stinger" do just that. Not only does it visually look incredible, but if players take it right at the rocks, they'll have to show off their shot creativity to have success, which is a benefit for every person watching.
Fans from social media loved the hole from the outset. With plenty more new holes to be unveiled this season, and with Gil Hanse coming on board to help design some, let's hope TGL gets away from what we'd find on a real golf course and continues to go outside the box with silly, wonky and creative holes like "Stinger."