TGL midseason check-in: Takeaways, superlatives from league's debut season - ESPN

TGL has proven — in flashes — it has the potential to be compelling. While straddling the line between superfluous entertainment (think: NBA All-Star Game) and serious competition (pick your favorite PGA Tour event) has been tricky, there have been some moments when the two concepts have overlapped and hit the sweet spot.

The most notable occurrence of this was the fourth match of the season, when two of the league's founders faced off. Tiger Woods led Jupiter Links Golf Club to a 4-3 overtime victory over Rory McIlroy and Boston Common Golf.

TGL doesn't have to pick a lane between the two concepts, it should strive to create more of those moments and matches. It's not easy to have every match turn into a close contest between two of the most popular golfers in the world, but it's evident so far that the closer the match, the more compelling and entertaining the action. That also creates better banter between the teams. — Paolo Uggetti

With TGL having reached the midpoint of its inaugural season, ESPN golf writers Mark Schlabach and Uggetti took inventory of what has gone right — and wrong — so far. Plus, ESPN gives out superlatives for the best shots and moments of the year so far.

I don't think you can truly appreciate the concept of TGL until you've watched a match inside SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. From the 3,800-square-foot rotating green that transforms the slope on each hole to the world's largest simulator screen, it's an impressive, state-of-the-art venue.

At this point, TGL offers two different experiences for golf fans watching on TV and those who attend the events. The TV experience offers the best part of the league: the trash talking and banter between golfers that you don't get in PGA Tour