PALM BEACH GARDENS — NASCAR’s reigning Daytona 500 champion, William Byron, made an appearance at the SoFi Center on Tuesday night for an exciting TGL match featuring Rory McIlroy’s Boston Common team against the Los Angeles Golf Club. Known for his impressive transition from simulators to professional racing, Byron was among notable attendees at this unique golfing event.
Byron, who has clinched 13 victories in NASCAR, initially received recognition as a teenager in iRacing, a highly competitive online racing platform. There, he celebrated over 100 race wins before shifting his focus to live racing. His enthusiasm for golf was evident, especially since he previously practiced his golf game in a simulator set up in one of his old apartments.
“I’ve been watching this event for a couple weeks in a row,” Byron expressed. “I got some of my buddies here who also enjoy golf, and we’ve been intrigued to see what it’s like in person.” He drew parallels between his experiences in sim racing and the TGL format, acknowledging the similarities in the skill development process.
As Byron gears up to defend his title at the Daytona International Speedway on February 16, he reflected on his past success, stating, “It took an offseason for it to really set in and what that means. Winning one of the biggest races of the year is significant, but you have to remain focused for the rest of the season.”
The TGL event also attracted a range of other notable figures, including John Henry and Sam Kennedy from Fenway Sports Group, alongside PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. The gathering highlighted the intersection of sports and entertainment, showcasing Byron’s multifaceted interests beyond racing.
This event illustrates the growing popularity of golf, especially in innovative formats like TGL, and how athletes from different sports are increasingly finding common ground, emphasizing the excitement and engagement around both golf and NASCAR. Byron’s presence underscores the expanding crossover appeal as athletes continue to diversify their interests.