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Billy Horschel leads Atlanta Drive GC to dramatic TGL season opener win

Billy Horschel leads Atlanta Drive GC to dramatic TGL season opener win
Billy Horschel clinches the first TGL match for Atlanta Drive GC. (Photo: x.com/@TGL)

Atlanta Drive GC edges New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener — Billy Horschel seals the win with a final-hole eagle.

The innovative Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) kicked off its second season on Sunday at the purpose-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Defending champions Atlanta Drive GC, featuring Chris Gotterup, Billy Horschel, and Corey Conners, faced off against New York GC with Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, and Rickie Fowler. Justin Thomas, recovering from back surgery, was sidelined and watched from the stands. Atlanta Drive GC emerged victorious with a 6–4 win.

Horschel shines despite roster changes

Just like last season’s final, Atlanta once again triumphed over New York in a tightly contested match. “I just thought, ‘Get the ball in the hole. Give it a chance,’” Horschel said after his clutch eagle. “About five feet out, it looked good. And then I did it again.”

Horschel was joined by newcomers Gotterup and Conners, filling in for injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an immediate impression — his driver broke on his first tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup. Nevertheless, he delivered a perfect opening shot to start the season.

The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players alternate shots in a pre-set order. Both teams parred the first three holes, before New York took the lead with a birdie on the fourth. Atlanta bounced back on holes 8 and 9, aided by the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule.

TGL’s Hammer rule shifts momentum

The Hammer allows a team to raise the stakes of a hole by tossing an orange flag. The opposing team can accept, doubling the hole’s value, or decline and forfeit the hole. New York accepted the challenge on hole 9, but Atlanta won the hole with a birdie, taking a 4–1 lead into halftime.

The second half featured six holes in Singles format, with each player facing two head-to-head matchups. New York closed the gap to 4–2 after Atlanta declined a Hammer on hole 11. Eagles and birdies from Young and Fitzpatrick leveled the score at 4–4 heading into the final hole.

Final eagle seals the win

On the decisive 15th hole, Atlanta threw the Hammer again. New York accepted, and Horschel delivered a stunning 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Schauffele and clinch the match.