First players named for tech-fused WTGL, and they are among the biggest stars in women's golf

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, World Golf Hall of Famer Lydia Ko and English star Charley Hull are among the first five players to join the new WTGL, according to a TMRW Sports release issued Monday. American Lexi Thompson and Canadian Brooke Henderson round out the first signings for the tech-infused league that is set to begin play in winter 2026-27.

The team match play for the women will be similar to the six-team TGL that is currently playing its second season at the SoFi Center in West Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

“These players will thrive in WTGL’s competitive environment as fans will witness their skill and connect more deeply with their personalities through the unprecedented access the league delivers with every player mic’d in the modern match play team format,” Mike McCarley, TMRW Sports’ founder and CEO, said in the release.

Beyond these player signings and broad scheduling time from of the “winter,” few other details about the WTGL have been released since the initial announcement was made on Jan. 6.

Thompson, an 11-time LPGA winner and among the most recognizable women in American golf, appeared on a recent TGL telecast, hot some shots in the arena and said, “I think it will have a huge impact. The women’s game is moving in the right direction, but to see the women involved at such an early stage of TGL, I think it’s going to do nothing but great things.”

Thitikul, who took over as the top-ranked golfer in the world last summer, won the Rolex Player of the Year award after capturing three LPGA Tour events last year along with 14 top-10s. Hull, No. 5 in the world, is sure to be a viewer favorite with her megawatt personality. Ko has three majors titles, three Olympic medals and is among the most popular players among peers and fans. Henderson should bring north-of-the-border interest with her 14 LPGA wins and two majors.