The golf landscape in Detroit is set to expand, with The Golf League (TGL) announcing its plans for a new team known as the Motor City Golf Club, slated to hit the fairways in 2027. As reported by CBS News Detroit, Michael Hamp highlighted the personal significance of the new team, saying, "This is a great moment for Detroit sports and a proud moment for me personally." The Detroit Lions, owned by the Hamp family, and the Denver Broncos's owner, Rob Walton, are backing this venture, bringing a fresh dynamic to Michigan's sports domain.
A group of prominent individuals and investment firms is coming together to take ownership of the MCGC. As highlighted by ClickOnDetroit, the ownership group—alongside the Hamp family—includes Jordan Rose, Kit Hawkins, and Vansa Chatikavanij of Present Ventures; Kal Somani of Ronin Capital Partners; and RHC Group, bringing together a team of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and passionate sports enthusiasts.
Motor City Golf Club's participation will mark the seventh team in TGL's innovative lineup that merges traditional golf with advanced technology for a unique competitive experience. According to a news release from TGL, the league's founders, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, alongside Mike McCarley, are committed to reinvigorating the sport by blending live action with virtual reality, holding matches at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens.
The announcement traces back to earlier speculation when a trademark application for "Motor City Golf Club" suggested Detroit's inclusion in TGL's plans. This news piece pulled from Detroit Free Press further cements the league's growth trajectory since its 2024 inaugural season. Mike McCarley pointed out the city's sports enthusiasm: "Detroit is a fantastic sports town...The city has a championship legacy and Detroit fans are passionate about their teams and they’ll let you know it."
Motor City Golf Club is poised to join the ranks of teams like Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, and others, as TGL hones in on its third season in 2027. With its format incorporating "Triples" and "Singles" matches, TGL introduces a distinct structure that includes features such as a shot clock and a technology-integrated playing surface. The league also utilizes elements like mic'd-up players to increase fan engagement and provide a more interactive viewing experience. This development reflects TGL's continued implementation of new approaches to the presentation of golf, ClickOnDetroit reported.
