Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods' new golf league gets huge boost from One Direction star

Rory McIlroy looks on from the fifth green during the second round of the 124th U.S. Open in June
-Credit: (Image: 2024 Getty Images)


Rory McIlroy, the world's second-best golfer, has received a significant boost in his latest golf venture, thanks to support from One Direction star Niall Horan. The singer-songwriter and former boy band member invested in TGL last month, a golf league co-founded by Irish professional Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and sports executive Mike McCarley.

Horan will also act as an ambassador for Boston Common Golf, one of the six inaugural teams of TGL representing Boston and New England. TGL offers "simulator golf in an arena setting", where players hit golf balls into a screen that replicates real-life course play.

The league is structured around six participating teams, including Horan's new Boston franchise. Fenway Sports, the owner of Liverpool FC, and McIlroy's private investment firm, Symphony Ventures, also hold shares.

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"Golf has been a lifelong passion of mine and I'm thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture alongside... Rory, who has been a long-time friend," Horan expressed. "I can't wait to experience team golf in this unique format that merges technology with green grass play.", reports the Irish Star.

"Being able to combine my love for the game and my friendship with Rory into a relationship that helps launch a new concept in golf is truly special. It's a fantastic opportunity and I think this new league backed by both Tiger Woods and Rory and team will bring a fresh perspective to the sport I adore."

The 30-year-old from Co Westmeath, responsible for hits including Slow Hands and Heaven, taught himself to play guitar as a kid in Ireland. He is a judge on NBC's The Voice and has performed for President Joe Biden at the White House. Horan is currently on the North American leg of his global headline tour The Show Live On Tour 2024.

Niall Horan plays a shot on the 12th hole during the Pro-Am prior to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 17: Singer-songwriter, Niall Horan plays a shot on the 12th hole during the Pro-Am prior to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 17, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) -Credit:2024 Getty Images

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods' new business venture has been valued at a whopping $500m. This tech-driven league, in partnership with the PGA Tour, is slated for a January launch.

ESPN is set to broadcast the weekly competition, aiming to attract a substantial viewership. Six teams, each comprising three PGA Tour players, are anticipated to compete in matches on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

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The concept has been warmly received and is predicted to be a resounding success. Consequently, Front Office Sports has valued TMRW Sports at $500m, even though the competition is still six months away from its launch.

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