The creation of the WTGL doesn't spell the end for potential co-ed indoor golf competition at the SoFi Center.
PALM BEACH GARDENS — The creation of the WTGL doesn't spell the end for potential co-ed indoor golf competition at the SoFi Center.
LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler and TMRW Sports CEO Mike McCarley announced the formation of the WTGL in a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 6, unveiling a plan to bring together the world's best female golfers for a televised, modern take on competition golf.
While TMRW Sports' inclusion of women's golfers into its TGL offerings has long been expected, the exact structure has been a point of speculation among golf fans, particularly whether it would be better to have a standalone women's league or a co-ed component of the existing TGL.
It was the first question fielded by McCarley, who answered with an expectant smile and an acknowledgement there'd been more than a few conversations on the subject.
"We wanted to create a stage for the women's game and for the top players to really showcase their personalities," McCarley said. "We wanted to provide an environment like this for them, but who knows what the future holds?
"We may get to a place where we look at alternate versions and other opportunities. But first off, we're focused on making sure we can deliver WTGL with the best players in the world with the LPGA as our partners in the winter of this year."
It's an ideal opportunity for Kessler, who took over as LPGA commissioner in July 2025 and said he had "goosebumps" over his tour's new platform.
"It's the chance to to showcase our athletes' personalities," Kessler said. "I would say one of my parts of my job is getting to know our athletes both inside and outside the ropes. They're incredible people and the WTGL will be a platform to help the rest of the world get to see some of the things I've seen over the last six months."
While no specific details on WTGL players were announced on Tuesday, McCarley said audiences can expect a similar product — "simple for casual fans" — to what they've seen from the TGL in its first two seasons. Competition will be segmented for two-hour live television blocks and teams will have city-based names.
TMRW Sports' expansion into women's golf is perhaps the biggest development among recent growth trends for the organization. TGL Golf Holdings filed trademarks for Texas and Chicago-based TGL teams while Motor City Golf Club, hailing from Detroit, is poised to join the league in 2027.
McCarley hinted that expansion could take eventually take aim at an overseas audience, particularly given the wealth of international talent in the women's golf game.
"We're fortunate to have built here really this place in the world where most of the top players, both men and women live, South Florida is great for that," McCarley said. "It does make it fairly convenient for most of those players to make it work.
"But will we expand, will we grow? Will we go other places? I think time will tell but the indication right now is yes."
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why the LPGA opted to form the WTGL instead of co-ed TGL
Category: General Sports
