In an exciting development for golf enthusiasts, a revolutionary new golf league is set to premiere on ESPN this January, thanks to the collaborative efforts of golf icons such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. This innovative league, named Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), combines traditional golf with cutting-edge simulator technology in an indoor arena, with significant contributions from South Dakota.

TGL will feature teams of elite PGA Tour players competing in two-hour weekly matches during prime time, with the inaugural match scheduled for 8 p.m. on January 7. Six teams, each representing different cities, will compete at the SoFi Center, a state-of-the-art venue specifically constructed for TGL at Palm Beach State College in Florida. These matches will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+, capturing every thrilling moment.

The SoFi Center, a sprawling 250,000-square-foot facility, can host 1,500 spectators and features an enormous simulator screen measuring 53 feet in height and 64 feet in width. This screen is nearly 24 times larger than a typical simulator. When shots enter the Greenzone, players transition from virtual to physical play, executing shots from rough, bunkers, or chipping onto a mechanical putting surface developed in Sioux Falls, known as Virtual Green.

South Dakota’s Contribution to Golf Innovation

The journey of Virtual Green began in 2013 when Sean Coffman, CEO of Carsforsale.com, was inspired during a challenging simulator session at Golf Addiction in Sioux Falls. He envisioned a simulator that allowed players to putt on a real green that replicated the course. This vision led to the creation of Virtual Green, which utilizes nearly 600 actuators to modify the green's contours in seconds, offering a unique experience for each hole.

Virtual Green has since captured the attention of PGA stars like Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, and Phil Mickelson, as well as other sports personalities such as Larry Fitzgerald and Steph Curry. The product has also expanded internationally, with sales in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.

From Vision to Reality

The development of Virtual Green involved a team of innovators, including Chris Heinemeyer, Kurt Gildemaster, Keith Lipetzky, and Bryan David. Their initial prototypes were basic, using materials like baling wire and duct tape. Over time, they refined the technology, incorporating actuators and scissor jacks to create a dynamic putting surface.

The first major showcase of Virtual Green took place at the PGA Merchandise Show in 2015, where it attracted the attention of Full Swing Golf, a company specializing in golf simulators. This partnership led to further development and exposure, including installations at high-profile locations like Under Armour's retail store and features on the Golf Channel.

Overcoming Challenges

The path to bringing Virtual Green to market was not without obstacles. In 2017, a change in ownership at Full Swing resulted in Coffman selling his interests, and the South Dakotans became employees of the company. Despite setbacks, such as a power outage delaying TGL's launch, the team persevered, continually enhancing their product.

Today, Virtual Green is poised to make a significant impact in the golfing world with its inclusion in TGL. The team is also exploring ways to reduce costs and expand the technology to other sports.

Future Prospects

As TGL gears up for its January 7 launch, the Virtual Green team remains optimistic. Their innovation, originating from South Dakota, is set to captivate audiences and transform the golfing experience. The team's ability to rapidly develop and refine their product is a testament to their ingenuity and determination.

Keith Lipetzky reflects on the journey, expressing pride in their achievements. "In many states, this kind of innovation with such a small team might not be possible. We've proven that with dedication and creativity, groundbreaking ideas can become reality," he said.