After watching Billy Ho’s putt drop on the 14th hole at SoFi Center, a tossed club or two, and some colorful language, I couldn’t help but smile. That moment—the raw, unfiltered emotion—is something that golf often fails to deliver in its traditional formats.

As someone who’s spent nearly three decades in this industry, including the past 16 years as a PGA Professional, I’ve seen countless attempts to “modernize” golf. Most fall flat. But TGL’s inaugural season has shown genuine promise in bridging the gap between golf’s storied traditions and today’s entertainment-hungry audience.

What began as a concept sketched on a cocktail napkin by TMRW Sports CEO Mike McCarley has evolved into something that even the players themselves couldn’t have imagined. As Justin Thomas aptly put it after Atlanta Drive GC’s dramatic championship victory over New York Golf Club: “I would think nobody could have at the beginning of the season or even a year or two years ago could have seen something like this.”

The tech-infused league delivered exactly what it promised: primetime golf with intensity and entertainment value. Atlanta Drive’s comeback to claim the $9 million first prize was compelling television, with Horschel’s “This is my effin’ house” moment becoming an instant classic in the annals of golf’s new frontier.

What impressed me most was TGL’s willingness to adapt on the fly. When the Hammer system wasn’t creating enough drama, they restructured it to allow each team three Hammers per match. When players struggled with depth perception from the front tee box, the league quickly adjusted the yardage parameters. These nimble responses to feedback resulted in immediate improvements—the greens-in-regulation percentage jumped from 42% to 81% after the tee box adjustment.

That said, not everything was perfect. The season stretched too long, running into THE PLAYERS Championship window—something Xander Schauffele has already discussed with league officials. The timing felt awkward against the backdrop of the PGA TOUR’s elevated events. A more condensed schedule would maintain energy and avoid competing with golf’s biggest tournaments.

Expansion to the upstart league seems to be inevitable. McCarley has indicated that discussions are underway to add more teams, potentially as soon as 2026. Current TGL players report a significant interest from their peers on the PGA TOUR, with Kevin Kisner noting, “Every player I see asks me about it… you want guys to feel like they’re missing out. I think we’re achieving that.”

But why stop with just adding more men’s teams? The framework TGL has built could—and should—expand to include an LPGA division. Imagine Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and Lexi Thompson bringing their talents to this format. The women’s game has some of golf’s most marketable personalities and technically sound swings. Their inclusion would broaden TGL’s appeal and provide much-needed additional exposure for women’s golf.

What about a Champions Tour division? The TGL concept combined with Champions Tour legends would not only tap into nostalgia from days gone by, showcasing stars like Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Freddy Couples, and more, but also expose these greats of the game to a generation that may ask, “Who is Jim Furyk?” TGL is perfect for the 50+ crew, eliminating the physical grind of 72-hole tournaments. These players still have tremendous skill and fan followings that would translate well to TGL’s environment.

Perhaps most intriguing would be a PGA TOUR U division featuring collegiate stars and young professionals. This would give fans a chance to know tomorrow’s superstars before they break through on the PGA TOUR. TGL is the perfect venue for showcasing stars in the making and doing so in a primetime, ESPN-televised, pressure-filled, shot clock-aided arena setting.

As we reflect on TGL’s first season, it’s clear that this experiment has legs. The league has demonstrated its ability to create compelling moments while respecting golf’s competitive integrity. With thoughtful expansion and continued refinement, TGL could become not just a novelty but an essential part of golf’s ecosystem.

TGL represents a refreshing willingness to evolve for a sport often resistant to change. And that putt by Horschel? That’s the kind of authentic moment that no amount of technology or innovation can manufacture—it’s just good golf, amplified for a new generation.

Reader, please support me by checking out my three weekly columns on RG.org. On Mondays, I present “The Starter,” which recaps the week gone by in golf. On Thursdays, I give you “Fairway Focus,” which previews the week to come in golf. And on Saturdays, I dish up the “Weekend Fore-cast,” a look at what’s on tap for the upcoming weekend.

Editor’s note: “My Take” will be an ongoing weekly series where Brendon shares his thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the game and industry. These are Brendon’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of GolfWRX, its staff, and its affiliates.