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 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, sidelined due to back surgery, watched from the stands as his team secured a 6–4 victory.
Horschel shines despite key absences
Just like last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again triumphed over New York GC in a tightly contested match. “I just thought: ‘Get the ball in the hole. Give it a chance,’” said Billy Horschel after sinking the decisive eagle putt. “About five feet out, it looked good. And then I did it to them again.”
Horschel was joined by newcomers Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, stepping in for injured teammates Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made a memorable debut when his driver broke on the first tee, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club — yet he still delivered a perfect shot to kick off the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players alternate shots in a pre-set order. Both teams matched pars on the first three holes before New York GC scored first with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly, gaining key points on holes 8 and 9. On the ninth, they deployed the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes momentum
The Hammer allows a team to raise the stakes by doubling the point value of a hole. The opposing team can accept or decline — declining results in an automatic loss of the hole. New York GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC birdied to take a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The final six holes were played in Singles format, with each player facing two head-to-head matchups. New York GC clawed back with an eagle by Cameron Young and a birdie by Matt Fitzpatrick, leveling the score at 4–4 after hole 14.
Final eagle seals the match
The match came down to the 15th and final hole. Atlanta Drive GC threw the Hammer again, and New York GC accepted. Billy Horschel drained an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the win.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB