Atlanta Drive GC edges out New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener — Billy Horschel seals the win with an eagle on the final hole.
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, represented by 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 key absences
Just like in last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again overcame New York GC in a tightly contested match. Billy Horschel, who delivered the decisive eagle, said: “I just thought, ‘Get the ball in the hole. Give it a chance.’ About five feet out, it looked good. And then I did it again.”
Horschel was joined by two new teammates, Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, filling in for injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made a memorable debut when his driver broke on the first tee, forcing him to use Conners’ backup. Nevertheless, he nailed a perfect drive to start the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players alternate shots in a set order. Both teams parred the first three holes before New York GC scored the first point with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly on holes 8 and 9, using the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule to gain a strategic edge.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes the game
The Hammer is a tactical feature of the TGL, allowing teams to raise the stakes by doubling the point value of a hole. A team throws an orange flag to initiate the Hammer; the opponent can accept and play for double points or decline and forfeit the hole. New York GC accepted the challenge on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC birdied to take a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The second half featured six holes in Singles format, with each player facing two opponents. On hole 11, Atlanta declined a Hammer, giving New York a point. Eagles and birdies from Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick on holes 13 and 14 leveled the match at 4–4.
Final eagle secures Atlanta’s win
The match came down to hole 15. Atlanta threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel drained an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and clinch the 6–4 victory for Atlanta Drive GC.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB