Hideki Matsuyama is latest player to sign on to Tiger/Rory’s TGL virtual golf venture

TGL expanded and strengthened its global reach on Tuesday when Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was added to the roster for Boston Common Golf, one of six inaugural teams in the new technology-based golf league that will debut in January. Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, replaces Tyrrell Hatton, who left TGL to join the LIV Golf League.

Coming off a sixth-place finish Sunday in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, Matsuyama, 32, joins fellow major winners Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley on the Boston squad.

“I’m excited to join Boston Common Golf and be a part of TGL,” Matsuyama said in a statement. “Teaming up with Rory, Keegan, and Adam, three incredible players I deeply respect, fills me with excitement and anticipation. Together, I hope we can push the boundaries of golf and create an unforgettable new experience for fans around the world. Most importantly, I am looking forward to the four of us winning championships together.”

Matsuyama is a nine-time PGA Tour winner currently ranked 12th in the world. His most recent victory came in February at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, where he won the signature event with a closing 62. He also owns eight other worldwide titles and is a five-time competitor for the International team in the Presidents Cup.

Featuring six four-man teams competing on virtual golf courses, TGL is set to debut Jan. 7 in prime time on ESPN and ESPN+. Created by tech-focused TMRW Sports, partly owned by McIlroy and Tiger Woods, TGL was scheduled to launch earlier this year until its new dedicated venue, SoFi Stadium, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., was damaged in November after a power loss caused the air-supported roof to collapse.

In other news related to Boston Common Golf, the team announced on Monday that singer-songwriter Niall Horan and his investment group Greenbridge Ventures have assumed an ownership stake in the team. Furthermore, Horan will serve as an ambassador for the team, which includes Fenway Sports Group and McIlroy’s Symphony Ventures as additional owners.