Billy Horschel recalls a certain buzz about the tech-infused indoor TMRW Golf League when it began last year, and there was plenty of curiosity where it would fit into the golf landscape.

Curiosity has given way to a degree of optimism and a little growth as TGL began year No. 2 on national television this past weekend.

Events will air on both ABC and ESPN-Plus.

The graphics have been upgraded. Spectators in the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will have ear buds to listen to play banter more easily. Golf course architects — Jack Nicklaus, Gil Hanse and Beau Welling among them — are designing holes. And each team will have a signature hole that reflects their city.

Horschel is part of the Atlanta Drive that will not have Justin Thomas, who is recovering from back injury. And yes, he’s excited.

“I’ve been on the PGA Tour for 16 years, and I think anyone who’s been on tour for a while, the monotonous grind of it can sort of wear on you a little bit, not that the fire to compete has dwindled,” Horschel said.

The six teams remain largely in tact, though Jupiter Links will not have Tiger Woods right away as he recovers from back surgery. He has said he would miss the first part of the season. Detroit will have a franchise that starts in 2027, and there is movement for another team, perhaps to get Scottie Scheffler involved.

The matches are typically Monday and Tuesday night. The next match involving Rory McIlroy’s Boston Common will be Friday, Jan. 2.

The Associated Press