Top golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have been announced as initial investors in sports technology company TMRW Sports.

Woods and McIlroy have launched the company, which is "focused on building technology-focus ventures" in sports, media and entertainment, with Mike McCarley, who recently left his role as president of golf and global strategy at NBC Sports.

Ventures pursued by TMRW Sports could include stadium and arena-centred golf events and uses of technology to cultivate a younger audience for the sport.

"I am excited to work with TMRW Sports in bringing people more access to sports," said Woods, a 15-time major winner.

"So many athletes, entertainers, and people I meet from all walks of life share our passion for sports, but they also share our desire to build a better future for the next generation of sports fans. Together, we can harness technology to bring fresh approaches to the sports we love.”

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McIlroy added: “For the last few years off the course, I’ve been focused on helping to lead golf into its digital future.

"Now, by joining forces with Tiger, Mike, and other TMRW Sports partners, we can shape the way that media and technology improve the sports experience. In a world where technology provides us with so many choices for using our time, we want to make sports more accessible for as many people as possible.”

McCarley, who previous led the Golf Channel, GolfNow and GolfPass for NBC Sports, commented that the golfers have track records in supporting ventures that modernise the way sports are played, enjoyed, and consumed.

"As we begin this journey together with the strong support of a diverse team of investors and partners, we’re focused on accelerating the evolution of sports with several interesting projects in development,” he stated

McCarley developed close relationships with Woods, McIlroy and their teams at NBC Sports, and the three-time Emmy winner has also served as senior vice president at NBC with responsibility for marketing the company's biggest events.

Former NBC Sports chairman and executive producer Dick Ebersol, who was responsible for the US network's Olympics and Super Bowl coverage for 20 years, is also an initial investor in the company, with additional partners, investors and projects to be announced soon.

"Mike and I worked closely together for years; he was one of my most-trusted advisors and confidants, especially in regard to our biggest priorities with the NFL and Olympics," Ebersol said. "This is the right idea at the right time."

Wood and McIlroy have invested in TMRW Sports through their respective TGR Ventures and Symphony Ventures vehicles.

Photo: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at St Andrews during this year's Open Championship. (Pic: Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)