A former One Direction star is entering the world of Boston golf.
Niall Horan has taken an ownership stake in Boston Common Golf after investing in the TGL team. He will be assuming the role of ambassador, according to a statement made on the golf team’s website.
Citing backing by Tiger Woods and Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy, Horan said in the statement that he believes the league the team is a part of will be a success.
“I can’t wait to experience team golf in this unique format that merges technology with green grass play,” Horan said. “Being able to combine my love for the game and my friendship with Rory into a relationship that helps launch a new concept in golf is truly special.”
Singer-songwriter, Niall Horan poses for a photo with Ewen Ferguson of Scotland on the 13th hole during the Pro-Am prior to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 17, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Who is Niall Horan
Horan is a singer-songwriter who was once a part of a massively popular boy band called One Direction.
One Direction was comprised of Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Horan. They were active from 2010 to 2016. Since that time, the members have gone their separate ways, pursuing solo careers.
While in the public limelight, Horan became a prominent figure in the professional golfing scene, serving as a caddy for McIlroy and seen at several other golfing events.
In 2016, Horan and sports industry professional Mark McDonnell founded golf management company, Modest! Golf.
“A keen golfer Niall has spent the last ten years spending as much time as possible on all the golf tours including the Challenge, European and U.S. PGA Tour and is a driving force behind the Modest! Golf business,” Horan’s profile on the Modest! Golf Management website says.
What is Boston Common Golf
Boston Common Golf is one of the six teams in the golf league TGL, which promises to combine technology and innovation through the fusion of physical and virtual golf with multi-hour games of golf.
Japanese legend Hideki Matsuyama was announced Tuesday as the fourth member of the team, joining McIlroy, Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott. Matsuyama, ranked No. 12 in the world, replaces Tyrrell Hatton, who vacated his spot on the team after joining LIV Golf.
The team, owned by Fenway Sports Group, includes golfers from Japan, Northern Ireland, the United States and Australia.
Matsuyama, 32, is a nine-time winner on the PGA Tour, including the 2021 Masters. He captured this year’s Genesis Invitational and was sixth at the U.S. Open.
Fenway Sports Group, headed by founders John Henry and Tom Werner, owns the Boston Red Sox, NASCAR’s RFK Racing, the Premier League’s Liverpool franchise and the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.