Atlanta Drive GC edges New York GC 6–4 in TGL season opener as Billy Horschel sinks an eagle putt 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 secured a 6–4 victory in a tightly contested match.
Horschel Shines Despite Key Absences
Much like last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again triumphed over New York GC in a thrilling opener. “I just thought: ‘Get the ball in the hole. Give it a chance,’” said Horschel after the win. “About five feet out, it looked good. And then I did it again.”
Horschel’s squad featured two new faces: Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, stepping in for injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an immediate impression when his driver broke on his first TGL tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club. He still managed 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 first with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly, scoring on holes 8 and 9. On the ninth, they used TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule to double the hole’s value and took a 4–1 lead into halftime.
TGL’s Hammer Rule Adds Strategy
The Hammer is a signature rule in TGL, allowing a team to increase a hole’s point value by throwing an orange flag. The opposing team can accept, making the hole worth more, or decline and forfeit the hole. New York GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC birdied to capitalize on the opportunity.
The back nine featured Singles play, with each player facing two head-to-head matchups. New York GC narrowed the gap to 4–2 after Atlanta declined a Hammer on hole 11. Cameron Young’s eagle and Matt Fitzpatrick’s birdie on holes 13 and 14 tied the match at 4–4.
Final Eagle Seals Victory
The match came down to hole 15. Atlanta threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Horschel delivered the decisive blow, sinking an 11-meter eagle putt to beat Xander Schauffele and clinch the win.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB