Nelly Korda and WTGL: "Huge omission" in new tech golf league

The starting signal for the new Tech Golf League WTGL is approaching, but one person is causing more discussion than the technology itself: Nelly Korda. While well-known competitors have already signed their contracts, the US figurehead is hesitating. In a recent interview with the trade magazine Golfweek, the Olympic champion makes it clear that the league's current concept does not go far enough for her.

Missed opportunity: Nelly Korda calls for real mixed golf

Nelly Korda's criticism is primarily aimed at the missed integration. Instead of creating an all-female series, the US-American believes that the LPGA pros should have been integrated directly into the existing men's league (TGL) of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Nelly Korda told Golfweek that the decision to keep the genders competing separately was an "unbelievable missed opportunity". For the 27-year-old, a joint format in which men and women play on the same stage and for the same prize money would have been the decisive lever to transform golf in the long term. In her opinion, such a "co-model" would have had a "revolutionary" signal effect for the entire sporting world.

Find out more about the founding of the WTGL and which stars have signed up here.

Nelly Korda's WTGL participation still uncertain

Despite her critical stance on the format, Nelly Korda makes it clear that she is not rejecting the project. The opportunity to present women's golf on a new media platform is nevertheless a thoroughly positive step. So why is her signature missing so far?

Nelly Korda explained to the US press that she is currently still examining the logistical framework and the time required. Her focus is currently fully on preparing for the classic Tour season. As the league organization is still working on details behind the scenes, the world number two does not want to commit herself until the near future. This means that one of the sport's most important driving forces remains an uncertainty factor for the marketing of the WTGL for the time being.

Innovative arena concept meets Nelly Korda's reservations

The WTGL promises a completely new fan experience at the SoFi Center in Florida. With huge simulators, moving greens and wired players, golf is set to become more suitable for the masses. Well-known stars such as Lydia Ko and Jeeno Thitikul are already on board, as are prominent investors from the world of soccer star Alex Morgan. The men have just started the second season of the TGL. The WGTL is also modeled on the TGL.

The debate that Nelly Korda has sparked weighs heavily. Mike McCarley, the man behind TMRW Sports and business partner of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, emphasized his interest in future mixed formats, but is sticking with the separate model for the time being.

Reinforcements from the "next generation": Zhang and Woad move up

While Korda's decision is still pending, the WTGL management announced two further high-caliber signings almost simultaneously. With Rose Zhang and the young Englishwoman Lottie Woad, two players who are regarded as the faces of the next generation are joining the league.

Both athletes have an impressive track record: both Zhang and Woad have won the prestigious Augusta National Women's Amateur in the past and each celebrated victories on their professional Tour debut. The fact that the WTGL is now focusing on these young talents alongside established greats such as Lydia Ko underlines the league's claim to bridge the gap between Traditions and modern tech entertainment. Rose Zhang's commitment is an important milestone for the marketing of the series, even if the absence of Nelly Korda continues to dominate the headlines.