The most surprising move in TGL history happened before the first ball was even teed off for the 2027 season. Rory McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf executed the league’s first-ever trade on Monday, swapping Adam Scott for Shane Lowry in a deal that signals a new era of roster flexibility. This shift comes as the league expands to seven teams, each carrying a five-player roster, with the new Motor City Golf Club led by Brooks Koepka joining the fold.
Thirteen players have changed teams or roles since the second season ended, creating a fresh competitive landscape for the upcoming campaign. The league announced these changes on Tuesday, confirming that the third season will kick off on December 27 at the SoFi Center. While the rosters have grown to five members, only three players will actually compete in any given match, a rule that keeps the pressure high on every shot.
The First Trade Changes the Game
On Monday, Shane Lowry was acquired from Bay Golf Club by Rory McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf in the league’s inaugural trade. Keegan Bradley, Michael Thorbjornsen, and Hideki Matsuyama are returning to complete the roster, although Adam Scott is departing. This move shows that team owners are willing to make tough choices to find the right mix of talent. The trade also highlights the growing depth of the league, where even minor changes can alter the balance of power.
Ryan Fox and Blades Brown are joining Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, and Ludvig Aberg as new additions to Bay Golf. Los Angeles GC, the defending TGL champions, is welcoming James, who ranked No. 1 in the PGA Tour University standings as a senior at Virginia.
New Faces and Old Rivals
Motor City Golf Club, the first TGL expansion franchise, has filled its roster with Brooks Koepka, Jackson Koivun, Jake Knapp, Si Woo Kim, and Bud Cauley. Last month, Koivun remained unbeaten at the Presidents Cup, then claimed victory at the 3M Open in only his third professional start. From an available player pool, the team utilized its first two draft selections to choose Koepka and Koivun. This new team adds a layer of intrigue to the league, as Koepka looks to bring his major-winning pedigree to the indoor format.
Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Sahith Theegala stay with defending SoFi Cup champion Los Angeles Golf Club, which also adds Ben James. Jupiter Links Golf Club, owned by Tiger Woods, will retain Tom Kim and Max Homa while promoting Akshay Bhatia from alternate status to full-time member. Keith Mitchell has been added as the fifth player, replacing Kevin Kisner on the team. TGL matches only feature three players, so every roster spot matters.
Distinct Identities Take Shape
Michael Brennan replaces Lucas Glover on The Atlanta Drive, which also brings back Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas, Chris Gotterup, and Billy Horschel. Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Rickie Fowler are returning to New York Golf Club, which also adds Alex Fitzpatrick and Ben Griffin. Xander Schauffele, a two-time major champion, has left the team. The roster changes are designed to give each franchise a unique flavor that resonates with its local fan base.
“Our teams are developing distinct identities that reflect their players’ personalities and competitive fire, the character of the cities they represent and the vision of their ownership groups,” Rufus Hack, president, golf, TMRW Sports said in a statement. He noted that two seasons have created history between these teams, and the resulting rivalries add intensity to the competition. As Motor City Golf Club enters the league and fresh players energize established teams, fans have much to anticipate in 2027.
Earlier this month, the league extended its media-rights agreement with ESPN, guaranteeing continued broadcasts on the network. Mark your calendar for the third season’s start at SoFi Center on Dec. 27.
