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 with Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, and Rickie Fowler. Justin Thomas, sidelined due to back surgery, watched from the stands. Atlanta Drive GC emerged victorious with a 6–4 win.
Horschel shines despite key absences
Just like last season’s finale, Atlanta Drive GC once again defeated New York GC in a tightly contested match. After the win, Billy Horschel 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 newcomers Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, filling in for injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an unforgettable debut—his driver broke on the first tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup. Nevertheless, he delivered a perfect shot down the fairway to officially open 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 made par on the first three holes, but New York GC drew first blood with a birdie on the fourth. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly, scoring on holes 8 and 9. On the ninth, they used the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule to double the hole’s value and secured a birdie, taking a 4–1 lead into halftime.
TGL’s Hammer rule adds drama
The Hammer rule allows a team to raise the stakes by throwing an orange flag, increasing the hole’s point value. The opposing team can accept or decline—declining means forfeiting the hole. New York GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta’s birdie gave them a crucial advantage.
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. Eagles and birdies from Young and Fitzpatrick leveled the match at 4–4 by hole 14.
Final eagle clinches the win
The match came down to the 15th and final hole. Atlanta 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 for Atlanta Drive GC.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB