Big news for golf fans in Detroit! A brand new team, the Motor City Golf Club, is gearing up to join the TGL league, which is all about shaking up the traditional game of golf. Founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, along with media exec Mike McCarley, TGL is set to launch its seventh team in 2027, and Detroit is in the spotlight.
The ownership group behind this exciting venture is Middle West Partners, which includes some heavy hitters like the Hamp family, who own the Detroit Lions, and Rob Walton, the owner of the Denver Broncos. It’s a pretty star-studded lineup, to say the least!
But wait, there’s more! The ownership group also features Jordan Rose, who’s the president and founder of Rose Law Group, along with Kit Hawkins and Vansa Chatikavanij from Present Ventures. Plus, tech entrepreneur Kal Somani, who co-owns the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, is on board. And let’s not forget Ronin Capital Partners, led by former Rocket Companies CEO Jay Farner, and RHC Group, a sports investment firm that’s been a big supporter of TGL.
Michael Hamp, one of the owners, expressed his excitement in a recent news release, saying, "This is a great moment for Detroit sports and a proud moment for me personally." He went on to share a touching connection to the game, mentioning that his grandfather, William Clay Ford Sr., was a huge golf fan. "I believe bringing a new format of the game he loved would make him really proud," he added. It’s clear that there’s a lot of heart behind this team, and Hamp is eager to represent Detroit’s loyal fan base.
The Motor City Golf Club will be joining six other teams in the league, including the Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Jupiter Links GC, Los Angeles Golf Club, New York Golf Club, and The Bay Golf Club. Each team will feature four PGA Tour players, and during matches, three competitors will go head-to-head. The matches are set to take place in a unique format, spanning two hours and covering 15 holes, blending both hybrid and real-life elements. All the action will unfold at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The inaugural season kicks off in January 2025, and the Atlanta Drive GC has already been crowned champions. Exciting times ahead!
Walton and Rose shared their enthusiasm in a joint statement, saying, "We are excited to be a part of innovating the great game of golf. TGL finds a terrific balance between honoring the tradition of the sport while adding elements that will grow its appeal and fan base." It sounds like they’re ready to make some waves in the golf world!
So, keep your eyes peeled for the Motor City Golf Club as they gear up to represent Detroit in this fresh and innovative league. It’s going to be a wild ride!
