WTGL Bombshell Just Dropped: Rose Zhang Commits with Lottie Woad – Why She’s Betting Big on Golf’s Secret New League!
Announced on January 27, 2026, by TMRW Sports—the organization behind the hugely popular TGL men’s league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy—WTGL is the women’s counterpart, designed as a fast-paced, tech-infused team golf league in partnership with the LPGA. Set to debut in the winter of 2026-27 at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, WTGL promises primetime matches featuring mic’d-up players, innovative formats like the “Hammer” rule, and a blend of simulator technology with live short-game action. It aims to complement the traditional LPGA schedule by offering new opportunities for showcasing talent, personalities, and competitiveness in a fresh, engaging format.
Rose Zhang, the 22-year-old American sensation, joins an already impressive roster that includes stars like Jeeno Thitikul, Charley Hull, Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, and Brooke Henderson. Zhang’s commitment comes alongside England’s Lottie Woad, the current World No. 11 and 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion. Both players share striking parallels: former World No. 1 amateurs, Augusta winners, and victorious in their LPGA debuts—Zhang at the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open and Woad at the Women’s Scottish Open in July 2024.
For Zhang, this move represents a bold step forward amid her ongoing journey of recovery and growth. After a challenging 2025 marked by neck and shoulder injuries, academic demands at Stanford (where she’s pursuing her Communications degree), and deliberate breaks to prioritize health and education, Zhang has shown resilience by returning to contention and embracing new horizons. As a limited partner in The Bay Golf Club’s ownership group (one of the TGL teams), she already has familiarity with the tech-driven, arena-style environment. Competing at the same SoFi Center venue ties her investment in the broader TMRW ecosystem to on-course participation in WTGL.
The pairing with Woad adds intrigue—two young phenoms, both 22, bringing elite amateur pedigrees, major-championship pedigrees, and proven winning mentalities to the team format. Their addition strengthens WTGL’s appeal as a platform that highlights the next generation of LPGA talent while creating excitement around team dynamics, innovation, and accessibility for fans.
WTGL officials expressed enthusiasm about the growing roster. Chief Media, Strategy and Legal Officer Liz Moore noted that commitments like Zhang’s and Woad’s, especially with many WTGL players competing in the LPGA season opener (the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions), reinforce the league’s vision to enhance rather than compete with the LPGA. It offers supplemental opportunities in the off-season, blending high-stakes competition with entertainment elements that could attract new audiences.
Zhang’s decision to bet big on WTGL signals confidence in her future and a willingness to explore formats beyond the standard tour grind. After her “first real growth moment” through adversity—transforming injury setbacks and overload into greater patience and purpose—this commitment feels like the next chapter: embracing innovation, team camaraderie, and the chance to shine in a league built for the modern era.
As WTGL builds toward its inaugural season, the addition of Rose Zhang and Lottie Woad elevates the hype. It’s not just about joining a league—it’s about investing in the evolution of women’s golf, where talent like theirs can thrive in fresh, dynamic ways. The future looks bright, fast-paced, and full of potential.
