New Design Approved for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy SoFi Center In PBG

The TGL, a virtual golf league co-founded by professional golf stars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, plans to restart construction of their Palm Beach Gardens facility after revamping the design.

TMRW Sports, which is running the TGL, reached an agreement with Palm Beach State College in 2022 to lease 10.7 acres to host construction of its virtual golf venue. Then, San Francisco-based digital personal finance company SoFi Technologies signed on as the presenting sponsor, resulting in the venue being dubbed the SoFi Center.

The league was originally slated to begin play with matches on ESPN in early 2024, but heavy storms in November caused a power failure at the facility and its dome deflated, causing damage to the facility before it was completed. The TGL season was delayed.

On March 22, college's Board of Trustees approved an amended ground lease with TMRW Sports and a new design for the SoFi Center. TMRW Sports spokesperson David Schaefer said they switched from an air-supported dome to a steel-supported structure that is similar in size and scale, but a more permanent facility.

The partially completed structure that was previously on the site was largely cleared away, so construction has started again. The venue will total 250,000 square feet, with seating for 1,500 fans around a field that would be 97 yards long and 50 yards wide.

TMRW Sports said the inaugural season of the TGL will start Jan. 7, 2025 on ESPN. The competitions will be broadcast immediately following College Football Playoff and NFL games.

“As construction proceeds on SoFi Center, we’re eager to introduce sports fans to TGL as we focus on the league’s debut this coming January,” stated Mike McCarley, co-founder and CEO of TMRW Sports.

The TGL has six teams, including the Jupiter Links Golf Club led by Woods and David Blitzer.

According to PBSC, the college would collect more than $10.2 million in rent over the amended 20-year lease. TMRW Sports already made a $1 million gift to the college, and it will offer publicity for PBSC and opportunities for students.

"One of the primary advantages of our partnership with TMRW sports is their clear commitment to PBSC and to enriching the learning experiences and career opportunities of our students,” stated PBSC President Ava L. Parker.