Atlanta Drive GC edges out New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener, with Billy Horschel sealing the win with an eagle.
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 roster changes
Just like last season’s finale, Atlanta Drive GC once again triumphed over New York GC in a tightly contested match. Billy Horschel delivered the decisive moment and said afterward: “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 opening tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club—still managing a perfect drive to kick off the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, with three players per team rotating shots in a set order. Both teams started with pars on the first three holes. New York GC struck first with a birdie on hole 4, but Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly, scoring on holes 8 and 9. On the ninth, they used the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule.
TGL’s Hammer rule shifts momentum
The Hammer rule allows a team to raise the stakes by increasing the point value of a hole. A team throws an orange flag to activate it, and the opponent must either accept the challenge or forfeit the hole. New York GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, doubling its value. Atlanta capitalized 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. On hole 11, Atlanta declined a Hammer, giving New York a point. Eagles from Cameron Young and a birdie from Matt Fitzpatrick on holes 13 and 14 leveled the score at 4–4.
Final eagle clinches the win
The match came down to the final hole. Atlanta Drive GC threw the Hammer once more, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel delivered again, sinking an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the 6–4 victory.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB
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