NAPLES — Tiger Woods looks for any little edge when he’s on a golf course.
Or, in this case, in a golf arena.
When Tom Kim was told Woods’ team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, has the longest odds to win TGL in its inaugural season, he guaranteed that would be motivation for the 15-time major champion and the rest of the team.
“I think Tiger will be very glad to see that,” said Kim, who along with Woods, Max Homa and Kevin Kisner comprise Jupiter Links. “I think we’re going to prove a lot of people wrong.”
TGL, the league whose technology combines virtual golf with real chipping and putting, starts Jan. 7. While it remains an unknown as to what to expect, and how indoor golf involving 24 PGA Tour professionals will be accepted, those involved are excited about the challenge.
TGL, which is owned by TMRW Sports, includes six four-man teams in which three players are active for each of the 15 regular season matches. That team aspect is one reason Kim believes his team is undervalued.
“Tiger was captain of the (2019) Presidents Cup team,” said Kim, who is teamed with Jeeno Thitikul at the Grant Thornton Invitational, which start Friday at Tiburon Golf Club. “He’s been in that role and he knows how to be a leader. Tiger’s role is going to separate us.
“I really like our team, I really like our chances because we have the best player who ever played the game.”
Woods said recently is not ready for ultra competitive golf after undergoing micro decompression surgery in September, but he announced Tuesday he is playing with his son, Charlie, in the PNC Championship in Orlando next week.
Kim believes Woods will be ready for TGL. Jupiter makes its TGL debut Jan. 14.
Rickie Fowler says TGL will have a learning curve
Rory McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf is the early favorite to win the SoFi Cup. Boston Common also includes Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott.
“We don’t know how any one’s game translates inside the SoFi Center,” said Rickie Fowler. “I think you’re going to have to throw odds out the window. It’s going to be a learning curve.
“It’s simulator golf on steroids.”
Fowler plays for the New York Golf Club, which is second along with Los Angeles when it comes to the early favorites. He is teaming with Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young.
“I’m glad we’re not the favorite,” Fowler said. “You don’t want to have that bullseye. I like our chances. We’ve got a good crew.”
But Young isn’t thrilled to see Boston at the top.
“As a New York guy, I’d prefer they weren’t,” he said.
More: LPGA players could become part of TGL, the Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy interactive golf league
Fowler, Kim and others were asked this week about what to expect. They are excited about dipping into unknown territory and optimistic TGL will resonate with its audience.
“It’s brand new, something that’s never been done and it’s going to be a lot on the players and how we’re able to help kind of provide some entertainment, because at the end of the day it’s all about having a good time in there and creating some entertaining,” said Fowler, who will team with Lexi Thompson this week.
“We’re all in the same room and you have live betting, you have live audiences,” Kim said. “Basketball, soccer, everyone’s in one (arena/stadium) and I think for the first time golf is going to that.
“It’s going to be really good for the fans. I think it’s going to be really cool for us players.”
Most of the players have practiced at the 1,500-seat SoFi Center on the campus of Palm Beach State College.
“The facility is pretty well done,” said Young, who is playing this week with Lauren Coughlin. “I think it will be fine. I think the guys are looking forward to it. I just will be different.”
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will Tiger Woods be motivated by TGL team being disrespected by oddsmakers?
