Atlanta Drive GC edges out New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener — Billy Horschel seals the win with a final-hole 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 Key Absences
Just like in last season’s final, 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 to them again.”
Horschel was joined by newcomers Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, replacing the injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made a memorable debut when his driver broke on the first tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club — yet he still nailed a perfect fairway shot to launch the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players from each team rotate shots in a pre-set order. After both teams parred the first three holes, New York GC struck first with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly on holes 8 and 9, gaining key points. On the 9th, they deployed the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule.
TGL’s Hammer Rule Turns the Tide
The Hammer is a special TGL rule allowing teams to increase a hole’s point value 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, but Atlanta Drive GC birdied the hole to take a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The final six holes were played in Singles format, with each player facing two opponents. At hole 11, Atlanta declined a Hammer, allowing New York to close the gap to 4–2. Cameron Young’s eagle on 13 and Matt Fitzpatrick’s birdie on 14 tied the match at 4–4.
Eagle Putt Secures Victory
The match came down to the final 15th hole. Atlanta threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel then drained an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and clinch the win for Atlanta Drive GC.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZm