Rory McIlroy's Boston teammate Hideki Matsuyama makes worrying TGL comment

Rory McIlroy's Boston Common teammate Hideki Matsuyama has told reporters before his title defence at the Genesis Invitational he's only watched '10 to 15' minutes of TGL. 

Matsuyama confirmed to the media in his news conference on Tuesday that he will make his long-awaited debut in the hi-tech league next week. 

Boston Common have tasted defeat in their first two fixtures, losing 4-3 in overtime to Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links and the trio also got battered by Los Angeles 6-2. 

It has not been confirmed yet who Matsuyama will replace in the team for his debut on 17 February. 

Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott - who recently met with American president Donald Trump with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan to speed up peace talks with LIV Golf's backers - are also part of the Boston Common team. 

Matsuyama said he's still yet to visit the purpose-built SoFi Center.

He added: "I watched the opener maybe for 10, 15 minutes.

"I still haven't visited the arena, so there's lots of things I need to study, but I'm really looking forward to playing next week."

Matsuyama will first attempt to defend his title at the Genesis Invitational. 

The tournament, run by Woods' foundation, has been moved from Riviera to Torrey Pines' South course because of the devastating wildfires that ripped through LA last month. 

Woods was expected to play but has pulled out as he is still processing the death of his mother Kultida. 

The 49-year-old may still turn up to the tournament on Sunday for the trophy presentation. 

"I've heard some rumuor that Tiger might be here this Sunday, so hopefully I get that trophy and get that picture with him this week," Matsuyama said.

Are golf fans already losing interest in TGL?

TGL debuted on ESPN 7 January. 

The indoor golf league, founded by Woods, McIlroy and Mike McCarley, has experienced fluctuating viewership so far. 

TGL's inaugural match attracted an average of 919,000. 

Woods' debut saw a nine per cent increase in viewing figures, but numbers have plummeted since. 

The figures suggest that while TGL has gained interest, its success may depend on high-profile golfers such as McIlroy and Woods. 

Another TGL participant, Billy Horschel, previously warned TGL's success is entirely dependent on the players. 

"If the players are not entertaining and not engaging — if they're not talking and dissecting stuff — we're not going to be successful," he said. 

"We have to be entertainers. We have to take ourselves away from what we are at PGA Tour tournaments inside the ropes and we have to be different. 

"We have to show more of ourselves in here than we would out on the course."

TGL is currently on a break and will be back on 17 February with a triple-header. 

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