Tiger Woods Strikes Back with Serena Williams as $3 Billion LIV Merger Sends Shockwaves

One of the most significant controversies in the world of golf, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, has been at the center of attention for quite some time. The league enticed top PGA Tour golfers with lucrative offers to stitch to LIV Golf, resulting in notable defections such as Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka. However, Tiger Woods firmly opposed the move, leading to suspensions by the PGA Tour.

Despite these measures, the migration continued. Surprisingly, the two leagues recently announced a merger worth a staggering $3 billion, prompting Woods to strike back by partnering with tennis icon Serena Williams.

In 2022, Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton joined forces with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for a remarkable business venture. Hamilton became the first external investor to support their passion project, TMRW Sports. The venture had an ambitious plan in the works, generating considerable excitement among fans: the TGL League, a technology-infused golf league set to launch soon.

The TGL league concept gained instant popularity among celebrities and elite athletes. Notable figures like Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and Josh Allen quickly became investors. Hamilton, the highest-earning Formula 1 driver, made a significant investment in a project initiated by and McIlroy, starting with $14.7 million.

Serena Williams, despite retiring from professional tennis in September of the previous year, remains deeply passionate about sports. Additionally, she possesses a keen eye for excellent investments, making her the first person to purchase a team in the TGL league. Joining her as co-owners are her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and her sister and fellow tennis champion, Venus. The trio now holds ownership of the Los Angeles Golf Club, serving as the TGL’s inaugural team.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy laid the foundation for the TGL league in February of this year and are preparing for its official launch next year.

The TGL format will feature six teams, each consisting of three PGA players, competing in an 18-hole match on a virtual course. Matches will be held during primetime on Monday nights, lasting two hours. Over a span of 15 weeks, the league will showcase a semi-final and final match format, culminating in the crowning of the championship-winning team.

As of now, the TGL’s first venue is being constructed in Palm Beach, Florida, in collaboration with Palm Beach State College. While no broadcaster has been officially confirmed, NBC holds the option to broadcast the league events based on a report from Sports Business Journal in August 2022.

With Serena Williams leading the way as a team owner, fans eagerly await the kickoff of this innovative golf format. The involvement of high-profile athletes and celebrities in the league adds an element of excitement, and the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has sent shockwaves throughout the golfing world.