LPGA Launches Women’s Tech-Infused Golf League

News Summary

The LPGA has teamed up with TMRW Sports to form the Women’s Tech-Infused Golf League (WTGL), a new format aimed at enhancing fan engagement and visibility for female golfers. Set to launch in winter 2026-27 at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the league will feature LPGA stars competing in tech-driven team competitions. By spotlighting player personalities and utilizing advanced technology, the WTGL seeks to attract a younger audience and redefine women’s golf.

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – The LPGA and TMRW Sports have officially announced the formation of the Women’s Tech-Infused Golf League (WTGL), a groundbreaking venture set to redefine women’s golf. This new league will feature teams of LPGA stars competing in a fast-paced, tech-driven format, aiming to significantly enhance fan engagement and visibility for these elite athletes. Matches are scheduled to launch in winter 2026-27 at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, primarily during the LPGA’s traditional offseason.

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler emphasized that the WTGL seeks to spotlight the personalities of women players, thereby strengthening the sport’s modern appeal and creating another global stage for athletes. The league aims to connect fans more deeply with the players and further elevate the growth of women’s golf.

A New Era for Women’s Golf

The WTGL is poised to transform how audiences experience women’s golf by adopting a format that blends cutting-edge technology with team competition. This approach mirrors the successful TGL, a men’s league featuring PGA Tour players, which launched its inaugural season in 2025. TMRW Sports, co-founded by sports executive Mike McCarley, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy, is behind both leagues, reflecting a vision to create modern, media-focused versions of traditional sports.

The matches will take place at the state-of-the-art SoFi Center, a dedicated indoor arena designed for this innovative format. This facility boasts a massive 64×46 foot screen where players hit into virtual courses. For long shots, players will hit from real grass tee boxes, fairway surfaces, rough, and sand. Short games and putting will be contested on a 3,800 square-foot green that incorporates actuators and jacks to dynamically change the slope of the green. Shots into the screen will be simulated using advanced Toptracer ball-tracing technology.

A key feature designed to enhance fan engagement will be the use of microphones on players, allowing audiences to hear real-time discussions on strategy, reactions to shots, and unfiltered player interactions. This level of access is intended to showcase the athletes’ personalities and bring a new dimension to golf viewership. During play, comprehensive shot data and statistics-based analytics, including ball speed, spin, launch angle, and carry distance, will be displayed for the audience, providing deeper insights into the competition.

The WTGL’s scheduling during the LPGA’s offseason is a strategic move to maintain fan interest throughout the year and maximize broadcast rights and sponsorship opportunities. This timing ensures the new league complements the traditional tour schedule rather than competing with it, offering an additional platform to showcase elite women golfers.

The Vision of Commissioner Craig Kessler

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler highlighted that partnering with TMRW Sports on WTGL underscores the belief that innovation can help golf reach new fans and increase visibility for LPGA athletes. Kessler, who assumed his role in July 2025, has a background in private equity and golf technology, notably as COO of Topgolf. He recognizes the power of innovation in accelerating engagement within the sport. His leadership has focused on four pillars: building trust, increasing visibility, expanding the fan base, and securing a stronger financial future for the LPGA. This new league is a direct manifestation of these priorities, aiming to attract a younger and more engaged demographic, similar to how TGL successfully drew viewers, with a significant percentage not regularly watching the PGA Tour.

Broader Indoor Golf Revolution

The launch of WTGL comes amidst a surging trend in indoor golf, which has been experiencing explosive growth nationwide. Over the past year, an estimated 6.2 million Americans used golf simulators, marking a substantial 73% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. This growth is driven by advancements in technology, making indoor golf more accessible, affordable, and engaging for a wider audience.

Indoor golf facilities, exceeding 1,200 across the United States, offer year-round access to the sport, independent of weather conditions. These centers provide instant feedback on swing mechanics and ball trajectory, helping golfers of all skill levels improve their game. Beyond skill development, indoor golf centers often incorporate social and entertainment elements like restaurants, bars, and music, transforming golf into a more approachable activity. This blend of sport and entertainment attracts a diverse audience, including young professionals and families, some of whom may not typically engage with traditional outdoor golf.

The global golf simulator market, valued at approximately $1.74 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $2.90 billion by 2030, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. This market expansion is fueled by continuous technological advancements, including AI-driven coaching, virtual and augmented reality for immersive play, and haptic feedback. The rise of indoor golf signifies a fundamental shift in the sport, making it more flexible, inclusive, and appealing to modern audiences. The WTGL is strategically positioned to capitalize on this revolution, further propelling women’s golf into this dynamic future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the WTGL?

The WTGL, or Women’s Tech-Infused Golf League, is a new platform for team golf featuring elite women golfers, formed by the LPGA and TMRW Sports.

When and where will the WTGL matches take place?

The league is set to launch in winter 2026-27, with matches primarily hosted during the LPGA’s traditional offseason at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

What is the main goal of the WTGL?

The main goal is to significantly enhance fan engagement and visibility for LPGA athletes by spotlighting their personalities and strengthening the sport’s modern appeal.

Who is Craig Kessler and what is his role?

Craig Kessler is the LPGA Commissioner. He has emphasized that the WTGL reflects the belief that innovation can help golf reach new fans and create greater visibility for LPGA athletes.

How will technology be used in the WTGL?

Matches will take place in a state-of-the-art indoor arena featuring a 64×46 foot screen for virtual courses, real grass hitting surfaces, and a 3,800 square-foot green with adjustable slopes. Advanced Toptracer ball-tracing technology will be used, and players will be mic’d up to provide real-time interaction.

What is the broader trend of indoor golf?

Indoor golf is experiencing explosive growth nationwide, with an estimated 6.2 million Americans using golf simulators in the past year, representing a 73% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The global golf simulator market is projected to reach $2.90 billion by 2030.

WTGL Key Features

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