Rory McIlroy's £36 million TGL venture descended into chaos over the weekend as the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, hosted a professional wrestling event instead of its usual golf action. The home of McIlroy and Tiger Woods' TMRW Golf League (TGL) opened its doors to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for a 'Fairway To Hell' crossover, where wrestler Darby Allin was seen launching his opponent, Pac, into a greenside bunker. The footage went viral, drawing a mixed response from fans.
Chaos at the SoFi Center
The SoFi Center, a purpose-built indoor venue combining simulator golf with a rotating short-game complex called the GreenZone, typically hosts TGL matches. However, with the 2026 season concluded and the Los Angeles Golf Club crowned champions, the venue was repurposed for a wrestling event. Fans took to social media with jokes and criticism. "This is appalling - no fighting on the green!!" one user quipped. "Was the bunker raked?" another asked. Others saw the humour: "What the kids are doing to courses these days!"
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While some fans embraced the crossover, others used it to mock the TGL. "So this is how bad TGL is doing they have to rent it out to wrestlers lol," a detractor wrote. "As if indoor video computer golf isn't embarrassing enough," another commented. Yet, some saw potential: "Would love to see this during a major; imagine the new fans it would attract to golf." One fan noted, "It's an indoor sim league with made-up holes, might as well really go for it."
TGL's Ambitions and Future
The TGL, created by McIlroy and Woods through TMRW Sports in partnership with the PGA Tour, aims to attract a younger audience. McIlroy previously stated, "It [golf] is so rooted in tradition... to try to deliver golf to the younger demographic, I think, is really important." Despite mixed television ratings, the league has secured a third season with plans to expand in 2027. A women's version, the WGTL, is also set to launch with stars like Charley Hull and Lydia Ko committed.
