ATLANTA — Sports mogul Arthur M. Blank announced new partners for his TGL team in Atlanta. They are names that many of you will recognize.
Blank announced on Tuesday that Braves legend Chipper Jones, Falcons legend Matt Ryan, country music star Luke Combs and Dunwoody native and TV host Ryan Seacrest are now limited partners for his TGL team.
“Luke, Chipper, Matt and Ryan bring exceptional talent and a wealth of knowledge and experience in sports and entertainment to Atlanta Drive GC,” said Blank. “Their passion for the game of golf and strong desire to win make them invaluable as limited partners, and I look forward to tapping their vast expertise during this exciting time in golf.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Atlanta Drive GC is the latest sporting venture for Blank, who owns the Falcons and Atlanta United. The team’s first match is set for Tuesday night against New York.
What is TGL? It’s an indoor golf league created in part by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and it’s played in SoFi Center in Palm Beach, Fla.
There are three players on each team and they compete on 15 holes in 2-hour matches. Players hit on real grass into giant screens in the arena or on real grass for shots on the green. There’s even sand from Augusta National bunkers on the course.
Atlanta Drive GC and New York will “tee” off at 7 p.m.
Statement From Luke Combs
“As a golf fan, I think others can relate to my feelings on the game - I hate golf, quit golf and still can’t wait to play it tomorrow all at the same time. Deep down, I love it, and I’m excited to join Atlanta Drive GC as a limited partner. The game of golf is really growing in popularity, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of this unique take on the sport. I never dreamed of being a limited partner of a professional sports team, so I’m thankful for the opportunity and grateful to join Mr. Blank in this latest venture.”
Statement From Chipper Jones
“I’m excited to be a part of growing the game of golf and introducing new fans to the sport through an innovative and fast-paced format like TGL.”
Statement From Matt Ryan
“Since coming to Atlanta back in 2008, golf has been my number one hobby. If I wasn’t training for football in the offseason, I was playing golf. So, when Arthur Blank approached me about investing in Atlanta Drive, it seemed like a perfect fit. I’m excited to see what TGL can become. I’ve seen first-hand how alternative forms of golf can be so much fun. I have three young sons, and their introduction to the game has come with a mix of heading out to the golf course, hitting balls in a simulator, and playing different putting and chipping games indoors and outdoors. I think the timing of the season and the format of the league will give the golf nuts like myself their fix during the winter months but also provide the more casual fan a fun, engaging and competitive format to watch. It’s different, and I believe that’s a good thing. I believe there’s a space for something different. I can’t wait to watch.”
Statement From Ryan Seacrest
“As someone who recently learned golf and is making it a new hobby of mine, I’m proud to join Arthur Blank and AMB Sports and Entertainment in this latest venture in my hometown.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]