Atlanta Drive GC edges New York GC 6–4 in the TGL season opener, with Billy Horschel sealing the win with an eagle on the final hole.
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 claimed victory with a 6–4 scoreline.
Horschel shines despite lineup changes
Just like in 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 the win. “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, replacing injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an immediate impression: his driver broke on his first swing, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club. Nevertheless, he nailed a perfect shot down the fairway to start the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players per team 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 an advantage.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes momentum
The Hammer is a signature rule in TGL, allowing a team to raise the stakes of a hole by throwing an orange flag. The opposing team can accept, doubling the hole’s value, or decline and forfeit the hole. New York GC accepted the challenge on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC won it 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. Atlanta declined a Hammer on hole 11, allowing New York to close the gap to 4–2. Cameron Young’s eagle and Matt Fitzpatrick’s birdie on holes 13 and 14 leveled the score at 4–4.
Final eagle seals the deal
The match came down to the 15th hole. Atlanta Drive GC threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel delivered under pressure, sinking an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the win.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZm