Scott Van Pelt (host), Matt Barrie (play-by-play) and Marty Smith (reporter) will form the inaugural broadcast team for TGL presented by SoFi. TGL premieres Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 at 9 p.m., ET on ESPN and ESPN+. Derrick Stafford: Referee, is also announced as part of the team for TGL presented by SoFi. TGL (Tomorrows Golf League) was founded in August 2022. The tech-infused, 3-on-3 golf league features six teams composed of four PGA Tour golfers taking part in two-hour matches inside SoFi Center, TGL’s custom-built venue in Palm Beach Gardens.
“I’m glad to have played a role in recommending Derrick Stafford for this prestigious position with TGL,” said the Linked in post of Wendell J. Haskins, Brand Strategic Advisor and Egalitarian. “Derrick, also a golfer, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the TGL, having officiated countless high-profile basketball games during his distinguished career. His exceptional knowledge of rules, fairness and integrity make him a perfect fit for this groundbreaking golf league,” continued Haskins.
Stafford, born and raised in Atlanta (Ga.) graduated from Morehouse College in 1978. In 2018, during his 31st season as an NBA referee he entered the 2017-18 campaign with 1,670 regular season, 166 playoff and 12 Finals games to his credit.
TGL presented by SoFi features six teams of top PGA TOUR players competing in a season-long, fast-paced competition that brings golf to prime time on Mondays and Tuesdays. TGL’s home is the custom-built SoFi Center, a tech-infused venue on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Van Pelt will host the pre-match and intermission segments of the prime-time matches from the SportsCenter studio in Washington, D.C. Barrie will call the action from the broadcast booth within SoFi Center, TGL’s custom-built venue in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; and Smith will be a roving reporter with access to the golfers, team ownership and celebrities in attendance at SoFi Center throughout matches.
“Scott, Matt, and Marty have years of experience working together on ESPN’s annual coverage of the Masters and PGA Championship, as well as on SportsCenter and other programming,” said Mike McQuade, ESPN Executive Vice President, Sports Production. “They will make a strong team and we’re looking forward to the debut on Jan. 7.”
Also announced along with Derrick Stafford: Referee, as part of the team for TGL presented by SoFi includes:
- Jahmai Webster: Digital Host
- Claire Rogers: Digital Host
- Roger Steele: In-Venue MC
- DJ Irie: DJ
- Mark Russell: Rules Official
