TGL, Rory & The Future of Golf

In this episode of Chipping In, AP and Ewan Porter dive deep into the shifting landscape of professional golf, analysing everything from the flashy launch of the TGL to the gritty technicalities of ball striking.

The TGL Experiment: Tech vs. Tradition 

The conversation centers on the debut of the TGL - the high-tech, simulator-based league spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The hosts weigh in on whether the format is a gimmick or a stroke of genius. While acknowledging it feels somewhat "manufactured," they highlight its success in capturing a younger demographic. They point to players like Tom Kim as the "secret sauce" for this format, noting his infectious energy and personality are exactly what a stadium-based golf product needs.

Global Tour Roundups

• Dubai Dominance: The duo recaps Tyrrell Hatton’s impressive performance in the Middle East. They debate Hatton’s legacy, questioning if his incredible success in the Rolex Series makes him one of the best current players without a Major.
• The Wind Factor: A humorous segment looks at the PGA Tour's reaction to heavy winds at Torrey Pines. Ewan, drawing on his experience from the Australian and European circuits, pokes fun at the "soft" conditions American pros are accustomed to compared to the brutal elements of links golf.

Technical Masterclass: Lessons for the Amateur Ewan Porter breaks down common mistakes that plague weekend golfers, focusing on two key areas:

• The "Wind" Trap: Most amateurs try to fight the wind by swinging harder, which only adds spin and causes the ball to balloon. Ewan’s advice is counter-intuitive: swing smoother, take more club, and let the breeze guide the ball.
• Ball-First Contact: To fix the common issue of "topping" the ball, Ewan emphasizes the importance of hitting down. He explains that the divot should always start after the ball, a fundamental concept that many amateurs struggle to visualize.

The Rise of YouTube Golf The episode acknowledges the massive cultural shift toward YouTube creators like Grant Horvat and Bryson DeChambeau’s digital rebranding. Ewan admits that the influencer space has revolutionised how the game is taught and consumed, bringing a "fun factor" that was often missing from the rigid structure of the professional tours.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.