Get ready for an even more exciting TGL experience! Season 2 is bringing some big changes to the GreenZone at SoFi Center, making the game more dynamic and visually interesting for everyone watching. Beau Welling, the designer behind these updates, shared some insights into what players and fans can expect.
Key Takeaways
- Larger Green: The putting surface has grown significantly, offering more space for play.
- Softer Slopes: The contours of the green have been adjusted for a more natural feel and varied shot opportunities.
- More Hole Locations: With the expanded green, there are now more places to set the pin, increasing strategic options.
- Bigger Bunkers: The sand traps have been enlarged and redesigned for a more dramatic look and play.
- Run-up Area: One side of the green now features a gentler slope, allowing for shots that roll onto the green.
A Bigger and Better Green
The most noticeable change is the size of the green itself. It's grown from 3,800 square feet to just under 5,300 square feet. That's a 38% increase! This expansion means more room to work with, and the slopes have been softened. Think less severe breaks and more natural undulations, almost like the land was gently shaped rather than drastically altered. The top tier of the green has been lowered, making it 60% bigger and presenting a more natural look.
More Ways to Play
With a larger green comes more possibilities for pin placements. Last season, there were seven hole locations, but now there are 12. This variety is a big deal for course setup, allowing for different challenges and strategies on each hole. It means players will have to think differently about their approach shots depending on where the flag is placed.
Redesigned Bunkers
The bunkers have also seen some love. Instead of having three bunkers, one has been removed, and the remaining two have been made larger. They've also been "revetted," meaning the faces have a distinct sidewall. This makes them look more imposing and visually striking on the course.
The Dramatic Run-up
One of the most interesting changes is on one side of the green, where the run-up area now has a softer slope. What does this mean for the game? Well, for longer shots, like on a reachable par five or a drivable par four, a ball that lands short of the green can now bounce up and onto the putting surface. This adds a new layer of excitement and potential for dramatic shots, creating more theater for the audience.
Overall, these changes are all about adding more variety, drama, and excitement to TGL. The team is clearly looking forward to seeing how these updates play out in Season 2, and it sounds like it's going to be a blast!
