Atlanta Drive GC defeats 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, 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 last season’s final, Atlanta once again edged out New York 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 newcomers Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, replacing injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an immediate impression when his driver broke on the first tee shot of his TGL debut. Borrowing Conners’ backup driver, he still managed a perfect shot down the fairway to officially start 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 played par on the first three holes, but New York took the lead with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta responded strongly, scoring on holes 8 and 9, and strategically used the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule on the ninth hole.
TGL’s Hammer rule turns the tide
The Hammer is a tactical feature unique to TGL, allowing teams to raise the stakes of a hole by throwing an orange flag. The opposing team can accept the challenge, doubling the hole’s value, or decline and forfeit the hole. New York accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta won the hole with a birdie, taking a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The second half featured six holes in Singles format, where each player faced off in two head-to-head matchups. New York 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 leveled the match at 4–4.
Final eagle seals the match
The decisive moment came on the final 15th hole. Atlanta threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel delivered an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the 6–4 win for Atlanta Drive GC.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3Y