Atlanta Drive GC edges New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener, sealed by Billy Horschel’s 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 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 key absences
Just like in last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again defeated New York GC in a tightly contested match. Billy Horschel, who delivered the decisive eagle, said after the match: “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 new teammates Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, replacing the injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an immediate impression during his debut when his driver broke on the first tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club—still managing a perfect drive to start the season.
The opening nine holes were played in a triples format, with three players per team alternating shots in a pre-set order. Both teams parred 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, including a strategic use of the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule on the ninth.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes momentum
The Hammer is a unique TGL feature allowing teams to raise the stakes by increasing a hole’s point value. A team throws an orange flag to activate the Hammer, which the opponent can accept—doubling the hole’s value—or decline, forfeiting the hole. New York GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC capitalized with a birdie, taking a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The second half featured six singles holes, with each player facing two head-to-head matchups. On hole 11, Atlanta declined a Hammer, allowing New York to close the gap to 4–2. Eagles and birdies by Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick on holes 13 and 14 tied the match at 4–4.
Final eagle clinches victory
The match came down to the 15th and final hole. Atlanta Drive GC threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel then drained an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the win.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3Yzg