The landscape of professional golf is shifting again as the Tomorrow’s Golf League prepares for its third season. While the on-field action ramps up for the 2027 campaign, the biggest conversation surrounds the potential return of players from the rival LIV Golf circuit.
Rory McIlroy, a co-founder of the TGL venture, has publicly stated he would vote to allow those defectors back onto the PGA Tour. This stance comes as the league finalizes its seven-team structure, adding a new franchise and locking in major stars for the upcoming winter schedule.
TGL returns to screens on 27 December, just two months from now. The league, launched in January 2025 after a year-long delay, has already seen two champions crowned. Atlanta Drive GC took the first title in March 2025, while Los Angeles Golf Club claimed the second in March 2026. For the 2027 season, a new team called Motor City Golf Club has entered the fold. This new squad features five-time major champion Brooks Koepka and young star Jackson Koivun. Two other teammates for Motor City remain undisclosed.
The full rosters for the six returning teams are now confirmed. Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Billy Horschel lead Atlanta Drive GC, joined by Lucas Glover. Boston Common Golf features McIlroy alongside Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama, and Michael Thorbjornsen. Tiger Woods returns with Jupiter Links Golf Club, which includes Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Kevin Kisner. Los Angeles Golf Club boasts Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and Sahith Theegala. The Bay Golf Club rounds out the field with Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, and Shane Lowry. New York Golf Club completes the list with Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, and Cameron Young.
McIlroy’s Stance on the Rival Circuit
While the TGL rosters solidify, the debate over LIV Golf continues to dominate headlines. McIlroy told Bloomberg in New Delhi that the breakaway tour “had probably half of a good idea that was executed pretty poorly.” He noted that the circuit, originally funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, wasted significant capital. “They certainly could have done better things with it, instead of just enriching tour pros that were already making a lot of money,” McIlroy said during the interview, according to BBC News.
Despite his past criticisms, the world number two believes the tours would benefit from having former LIV players return. When asked if he would vote for their reinstatement, he answered, “Yes, I would.” McIlroy explained his reasoning simply, stating, “I think a rising tide lifts all boats. And I think having some of these players back is beneficial for the business of the tours, absolutely.”
However, the path back is not clear for everyone. On Monday, the DP World Tour declared that players who join LIV’s 2027 season cannot keep their membership in the European circuit. This creates a stark choice for golfers as they approach the new year.
McIlroy also pointed to the financial instability facing the rival league. “It looks like every day that goes by, there’s another player that was on LIV who says that they’re not going to rejoin for LIV 2.0,” he observed. He suggested this trend would make it difficult for LIV to emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner, has already opted out of the tour, citing unacceptable terms. The uncertainty surrounding LIV’s future contrasts with the stability of TGL, which is run by TMRW Sports, the company founded by Woods and McIlroy in 2022.
What the 2027 Format Means for Fans
The addition of Motor City Golf Club brings a fresh dynamic to the league. Brooks Koepka’s presence in Detroit is significant, especially as he continues his transition back to the PGA Tour. His participation in the upcoming Farmers Insurance Skins Game further highlights this shift. That event, set for 27 November, will feature Koepka, Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas, and Jackson Koivun competing for a $4 million purse. The Skins Game returns to Prime Video, proving that alternative formats still hold strong appeal for the fanbase.
Chad Mumm, co-founder and president of Pro Shop, noted that “The response to last year’s relaunch showed us how much The Skins Game still resonates with golf fans.” This sentiment mirrors the approach taken by TGL, which blends technology with traditional competition. Each of the seven squads will play five matches in a round-robin format before the playoffs begin. The league aims to keep the pace fast and the action intense, a direct response to the criticism that traditional golf can be too slow for modern viewers.
The timing of the TGL season is strategic. By starting in late December, the league fills a gap in the golf calendar when few other tournaments are happening. The first match of the 2027 season is scheduled to begin shortly after Christmas, offering fans a new holiday tradition. With stars like McIlroy, Woods, and Koepka all active in the league, the product offers a high level of competition. The presence of young talent like Jackson Koivun and Michael Thorbjornsen ensures that the next generation of stars is integrated alongside the veterans.
The Road Ahead for the Players
The 2027 TGL season represents a critical test for the league’s long-term viability. With seven teams and a confirmed roster of elite talent, the product looks ready for prime time. The integration of new teams and the continued involvement of the league’s founders suggest a stable future. Meanwhile, the debate over LIV players returning to the PGA Tour remains a lingering question. McIlroy’s comments indicate that the door is open, but the decision ultimately rests with the tours and the players themselves.
As the golf world waits for the TGL kickoff on 27 December, the focus remains on how these teams will perform. The mix of established champions and rising stars promises exciting matches. For fans who follow the PGA Tour, the TGL offers a unique viewing experience that complements the traditional game. The league’s ability to secure top talent and maintain a consistent schedule will determine its place in the sport’s future.
The next major event for many of these stars is the Farmers Insurance Skins Game on 27 November. This event will serve as a precursor to the TGL season, showcasing the skills of players like Koepka and Clark in a high-stakes format. It provides a final glimpse of the competition before the winter league begins. The schedule for TGL 2027 is available for fans to review, ensuring they can catch every match as the teams battle for the championship title.