TGL Golf Expands its League: Detroit Joins the Competition in 2027
The technology-driven golf league, TGL, announced the addition of a seventh team for the 2027 season. This new team will represent the city of Detroit, marking a significant expansion for the league.
The team, called Motor City Golf, will have Steve Hamp and Sheila Ford Hamp as co-owners. Sheila Ford Hamp is also the principal owner and chair of the Detroit Lions of the NFL. Michael Hamp, Peter Hamp, and Kevin Kelleher will lead the franchise.
Rob Walton, owner of the Denver Broncos, and lawyer Jordan Rose will also be part of the ownership group.
This is a great moment for sports in Detroit and a moment of personal pride for me.
Michael Hamp, co-owner of Middle West Partners and governor of the new Motor City Golf Club team
Michael Hamp expressed his enthusiasm about it: “My grandfather, William Clay Ford Sr., was an avid golfer, and I think bringing a new format of the game he loved would make him feel very proud. I am incredibly grateful for our partners at MCGC; it is an honor to build this team together. Detroit fans are the most loyal in sports, and we are excited to represent our city in TGL and build a team that Detroit fans will be proud to support.”
In its inaugural season, TGL featured six teams representing Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco/Oakland, and Jupiter, Florida. The teams were composed of four golfers, with three competing in each match at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
It is unclear whether TGL intends to expand before its second season, which is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
In April, it was reported that a group planned to bid for a TGL franchise in Dallas with a price of $77 million.
TGL, led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, is also exploring matches involving LPGA stars.
Detroit is a fantastic sports city. The city has a legacy of championships and Detroit fans are passionate about their teams and will let you know.
Mike McCarley, CEO of TGL and TMRW Sports
McCarley added: “The ownership group of Motor City Golf Club will use its deep ties to the community and its extensive experience as NFL team owners to forge a TGL team that embodies Detroit’s sports culture and the region’s love of golf.”
