It was a night to celebrate the debut of the TGL, the made-for-TV simulator golf league co-founded by legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and the matchup between Jupiter Links and Boston Common proved to be thrilling. Held on January 27, 2025, at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the event turned out to be not just competitive but also highly entertaining for the gathered fans.
The two teams, consisting of renowned professional golfers, engaged in what can only be described as dramatic golf. Jupiter Links, spearheaded by Woods alongside young talent Tom Kim and stalwart Kevin Kisner, faced off against Boston Common, which featured McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott. With such strong names on both sides, the atmosphere was electric from the get-go.
Right from the start, the competition was intense. After the first three holes, the teams were tied, with neither able to get the upper hand. The match featured intriguing formats, swapping between traditional play and the more dynamic best-of-three setup for the finale. The crowd, filled with eager supporters including Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, witnessed fascinating shots and strategic gameplay throughout the evening.
One of the standout performances came from 22-year-old Tom Kim, who made quite the entrance. Initially, he replaced Max Homa in the lineup, and it was clear from the outset he was ready to make his mark. Kim made impressive putts and boasted his charisma by celebrating energetically with the fans. He said, "It’s been fun, man. I’ve actually kinda prepared for this," highlighting his enthusiasm and readiness for this new format of play.
The match saw multiple lead changes, and tensions built up as the regulation play concluded with the score knotted at 3-3. This pushed the game to its first-ever overtime, where closest-to-the-pin shots would determine the victor. Here, Kim proved his mettle once again, recovering from earlier pressures to deliver clutch shots when needed. He triumphed over Bradley, showcasing his talent and causing cheers from his fans.
The first of the overtime shootout saw Kevin Kisner also shine, managing to outplay Adam Scott for another point, which propelled Jupiter to their first victory of the TGL season, concluding the match at 5-3. The result allowed Jupiter Links to join the top tier of the SoFi Cup standings, bouncing back impressively after their previous 12-1 defeat against Los Angeles Golf Club.
Both teams displayed their skills during the match, with the format emphasizing quick plays and precision. Throughout the event, McIlroy’s Boston Common squad gave their best effort, yet could not outmaneuver the excitement and skill on display from Woods’ Jupiter Links team.
Notably, Tom Kim engaged not only through his gameplay but also his interactions with the audience. Amidst competitive strokes, he took the time to connect with fans, shouting back at them, "Say it louder! What’d you say?" after sinking particularly notable shots. His admirable sportsmanship and spirited demeanor have drawn admiration from both fans and analysts alike.
Looking forward, Boston Common is set to face the Los Angeles team next on February 4 at 9 p.m. ET, anticipating the debut of master golfer Hideki Matsuyama for the Boston side later on February 17. The anticipation builds as teams settle down for the continuation of this innovative tournament, celebrating golf as not just sport but entertainment.
The matchup demonstrated the potential of the TGL format, combining high-profile golf with modern technology and fan interaction, bringing renewed excitement to the sport. Viewers and attendees alike have left the match with thrilling memories and eager anticipation for what lies ahead.