Why Rory McIlroy, golf stars are now representing Boston as Red Sox partners

BOSTON — The Red Sox are in search of star power this winter as they aim to build a competitive roster before Opening Day. At Fenway Park on Monday, however, a different kind of star power took center stage.

Golfing stars Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Tyrrell Hatton, and Keegan Bradley made an appearance at the ballpark for the unveiling of “Boston Common Golf,” one of the six teams participating in TGL, a virtual golf league created by McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and sports executive Mike McCarley. The league is set to commence in January and will take place in a custom-made stadium in Palm Beach, Florida, with competitions occurring on golf simulators and short-range holes within a 1,600-seat venue.

“TGL presented by SoFi is a revolutionary golf league that brings technology, innovation, and fan engagement to the forefront,” stated FSG. “Featuring the world’s top players, the two-hour team golf competition will merge physical and virtual golf. The matches will be broadcasted in primetime starting on January 9, 2024, on ESPN. The Boston Common Golf team will compete in five regular season matches followed by a four-team postseason, consisting of semi-finals and finals. The SoFi Center in Palm Beach, Florida, will offer an unparalleled experience for fans with its data-rich virtual course and state-of-the-art short game complex.”

McIlroy, a four-time major champion, holds a prominent role as one of the league’s main partners and star players. During a press conference at Fenway Park, the 34-year-old golfer from Northern Ireland discussed why he chose to partner with FSG and a Boston-based team.

“Given the strong Irish presence in Boston, I feel a natural connection to the city,” McIlroy remarked. “We have all participated in tournaments in and around Boston. Whether it was at TPC Boston or at Brookline for the U.S. Open last year, I believe that Boston sports fans are among the best in the world. I hope they rally behind us and support this endeavor.

“Although there aren’t many Bostonians playing for the Red Sox, Bruins, or Celtics, these teams represent the city. We must make a genuine effort to connect with the people of Boston, whether through appearances at Fenway, on TV on Monday nights, or simply by showcasing the pride we have in our representation.”

Boston Common Golf, competing against teams from Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and San Francisco, will not be located in the city. All matches will take place in Florida, although there have been talks about building additional facilities around the country.

“We’re aiming to reach a wider sports audience,” stated McIlroy. “We want to bring the courtside feel of a basketball game to golf in some way, allowing fans in the arena to get closer to the action. For viewers at home, we’ll have microphones and a more interactive experience. When you watch a regular PGA Tour event, you’re somewhat removed from the action. We believe it’s important to change that… Our goal is to expand the demographic of golf.”

Keegan Bradley, the 2011 PGA Champion, who grew up in various locations throughout New England and attended Hopkinton High School, didn’t hesitate to join a Boston-based team. Bradley took pride in showing Hatton (England), Scott (Australia), and McIlroy (Northern Ireland) around Fenway Park, highlighting that his wife’s uncle is Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk.

“For those who know me, one of the things I’m most proud of is being from New England,” Bradley shared. “I went to school only 20 minutes away from here. My family still resides in this area. As a kid, I aspired to play for the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Bruins. While that didn’t happen, I excelled in golf. I never thought I’d have the chance to represent my hometown.”

“I was thrilled to show Tyrrell Fenway Park today. It was his first time here, and it was a special moment for me. It’s pretty nice that your first time at the park includes seeing your picture on the Jumbotron.”

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