Lack of mixed indoor league ‘an unbelievable miss’

World number two Nelly Korda has described the absence of a mixed-gender format in golf’s new indoor virtual league as a major missed opportunity, calling it an “unbelievable miss” following the announcement of a women’s competition linked to the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-backed TGL.

The newly revealed Women’s TGL (WTGL) will take place at the same Florida-based venue as the men’s Tech Golf League, which is currently in the middle of its second season. While the announcement has been welcomed as a significant step forward for women’s golf, Korda believes the decision not to integrate male and female players into one shared competition could have limited the league’s wider impact.

Speaking candidly, the American star admitted she was surprised that more female players had not publicly raised similar concerns.

“I definitely have mixed feelings about it,” Korda said. “I’m surprised no other girls have really spoken up about it yet. For me, it feels like an unbelievable missed opportunity that we’re not playing alongside the men.”

Korda believes that a combined league could have been groundbreaking for the sport, offering a platform unlike anything previously seen in professional golf.

“There is honestly no better way to grow the game,” she continued. “It would have been revolutionary. I think it would have been the first time men and women were competing on the exact same stage, playing the same format, for the same prize money.”

Despite her disappointment, Korda acknowledged the positives of the new competition and emphasised that she remains grateful for the opportunity the WTGL represents.

“At the same time, it’s still a great opportunity for women’s golf, so that’s where my mixed feelings come from,” she added.

The WTGL will mirror the men’s competition in format and setting. Matches will be held inside the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, a purpose-built indoor arena that blends technology with live competition. Players compete in teams, striking shots into a massive five-storey simulator screen before transitioning to a specially designed short-game area.

This short-game zone includes bunkers and a large putting green that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing organisers to create multiple hole layouts and strategic variations from match to match. The fast-paced, made-for-television format has been praised for its entertainment value and its appeal to younger audiences.

When asked about the possibility of introducing a mixed-gender league in the future, Mike McCarley, a former television executive and one of the founders of the TGL alongside Woods and McIlroy, confirmed that the idea had already been discussed internally.

“It’s definitely something that interests us,” McCarley said. “It’s interesting to the LPGA, and it’s something that’s come up in conversations with players as well.”

However, he explained that the immediate priority remains establishing the league’s foundations.

“Right now, our main focus is continuing to build the TGL and making sure we’re creating a strong platform — a stage that really showcases the players, their personalities and the excitement of the game,” he added.

Korda, who is 27 years old and one of the most recognisable faces in women’s golf, has not yet committed to taking part in the WTGL. She revealed that she is still evaluating whether she can fit the competition into her already demanding schedule.

“I’m still weighing up the time commitment,” she said, suggesting that logistical considerations remain a key factor in her decision-making.

Several high-profile players have already confirmed their participation in the women’s competition, including world number one Jeeno Thitikul. British golfers Charley Hull and rising star Lottie Woad are also set to compete, adding further star power to the inaugural season.

The men’s TGL has already proven to be a commercial success. Last year, Atlanta Drive defeated New York Golf Club 4-3 in the final to claim the league’s first title. A prize fund of £10.39 million was shared between the two finalist teams, underlining the financial strength behind the project.

The current men’s season began on 28 December, with the best-of-three final scheduled to start on 23 March. While the WTGL has been confirmed for the winter of 2026–27, organisers are yet to announce its official start date or prize money.

As discussions continue behind the scenes, Korda’s comments have reignited debate around gender equality in golf and the potential for mixed competition formats. Many believe that integrating male and female players could attract wider audiences, challenge traditional boundaries, and accelerate the sport’s global growth.

For now, the WTGL represents another step forward for women’s golf, even if some feel it stopped short of being truly transformative.

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