During a media session discussing the upcoming five-part docuseries “unCOMMON: Building a Boston Sports Team,” Rory McIlroy provided insights into the development of the TGL league, the Boston Common team’s preparation, and the innovative technology being implemented at the SoFi Center. The interview covered the league’s delayed start, team composition changes, and the realistic playing conditions players will face when competition begins in January 2025.
McIlroy on Team Changes and League Delay
The four-time major champion discusses how the postponed start date benefited the Boston Common team, particularly regarding roster adjustments.
“I’m on the record saying that it has been a blessing in disguise, not only for the league, but for the Boston Common team itself because everyone knows Tyrrell Hatton was on Boston Common and he decided to go over to LIV. So, we had to try to recruit someone else in. And we’ve got an amazing replacement in Hideki Matsuyama. I think we were all really happy when Hideki joined us in the middle of this year.”
This revelation shows how the TGL teams are adapting to the shifting landscape of professional golf, with the league using the delay to strengthen their rosters.
Technology and Playing Surface Details
McIlroy provides detailed information about the playing conditions at the SoFi Center, emphasizing the blend of natural and artificial surfaces.
“The playing surfaces are very realistic because they are real. We’re playing off real Bermuda grass for the fairways, real Bermuda rough, if you do hit into the rough. And, yeah, I guess the sand, that is the same sand that Augusta uses in their bunkers… We toyed around with the idea of using real grass and real turf on the green, but with the rotating green and then obviously with the jacks underneath and the ability to change slopes, we were afraid if we used real turf that that turf could crack and break.”
These technical specifications demonstrate TGL’s commitment to creating an authentic playing experience while incorporating innovative technology.
Player Preparation and Competition Format
McIlroy shares his experience preparing for the new format and the competitive nature of the events.
“I went to the test facility once before we could get into the arena. And then I’ve been in the arena twice. I went through basically like a couple of full practice matches already. And I’m going to try to get in there a couple more times, especially before Boston Commons’ first match on the 27th of January… The shot clock, I’ve been caught up by the shot clock a couple times already in practice. So that’s something that we’re going to have to be cognizant of.”
This insight reveals the unique challenges players face in adapting to the TGL format, including time constraints and the new venue.
Boston Sports Connection
McIlroy addresses how the team plans to connect with Boston’s passionate fan base despite not playing in the city.
“We’re mostly owned by Fenway Sports Group. So it’s going to be up to us and them to try to insert us into that sort of Boston sports culture as much as possible… trying to tell the people of Boston that we’re proud to represent them and we’re going to try to make them proud of this new team.”
This strategy shows TGL’s focus on building local fan bases through established sports partnerships and community engagement.
Final Thoughts and Series Information
The docuseries “unCOMMON: Building a Boston Sports Team” premieres on Thursday, December 26, exclusively on GolfPass and NESN. The series will later be available on GOLF Channel and streaming platforms including Roku, Samsung TV Plus, and Pluto TV. It offers viewers unique access to the formation of the Boston Common team and behind-the-scenes preparation for the TGL’s inaugural season, featuring McIlroy alongside teammates Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley, and Hideki Matsuyama.
The interview reveals that while TGL represents a significant departure from traditional golf, the league has used its delayed start to refine both the technology and team structures. McIlroy’s candid responses about his own preparation and nervousness highlight that even top professionals are adjusting to this new format, suggesting an intriguing and potentially unpredictable competition when play begins in January 2025.
