Atlanta Drive GC defeats New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener — Billy Horschel seals victory 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 Drive GC once again edged out New York GC in a tightly contested match. Billy Horschel, who clinched the win, 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, stepping in for injured teammates 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. Despite the mishap, he delivered a perfect drive to start the season.
The first nine holes were played in a triples format, where three players per team alternate shots in a set order. Both teams matched pars on the first three holes before New York GC scored the first point with a birdie on the fourth. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly, especially on holes 8 and 9, where they capitalized on a unique TGL rule — the Hammer.
The Hammer Turns the Tide
The Hammer is a distinctive TGL rule allowing 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 challenge on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC birdied to take a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The back nine featured singles matchups, with each player competing in two head-to-head holes. New York GC 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 tied the match at 4–4.
Eagle Seals the Victory
The decisive moment came on the final 15th hole. Atlanta Drive GC threw the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel delivered under pressure, sinking an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the win.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB
— TGL (@TGL