Atlanta Drive GC edges out New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL 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 roster changes
Just like last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again triumphed over New York GC in a tightly contested match. Billy Horschel, who delivered the decisive eagle, 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, replacing the injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an early impression when his driver broke on his first tee shot, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club—yet he still nailed 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 started with three straight pars before New York GC scored first with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly on holes 8 and 9, including a strategic use of the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule on the 9th hole.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes the game
The Hammer is a distinctive TGL feature that allows teams to raise the stakes on 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 GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC 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 two head-to-head matchups. Atlanta declined a Hammer on hole 11, allowing New York to close the gap to 4–2. Eagles by Cameron Young and a birdie by Matt Fitzpatrick brought the score to 4–4 after hole 14.
Final eagle clinches the win
With the match tied, the decisive moment came on hole 15. Atlanta Drive GC threw the Hammer, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel then sank an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the 6–4 win for Atlanta.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZm