Atlanta Drive GC edges out New York GC 6–4 in a dramatic 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 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, who delivered the winning shot, 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, filling in for the injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made a memorable debut when his driver broke on the first tee, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club. He still managed a perfect opening shot to start the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players per team alternate shots in a set order. Both teams played par on the first three holes, but New York GC took the lead with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly on holes 8 and 9, using the TGL-exclusive “Hammer” rule to gain a strategic edge.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes the game
The Hammer is a unique TGL feature that allows teams to raise the stakes on a hole 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 Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta Drive GC won it with a birdie, taking a 4–1 lead into halftime.
The second half featured Singles matchups across six holes. Each player faced two opponents: Player 1 on holes 10 and 13, Player 2 on 11 and 14, and Player 3 on 12 and 15. 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 tied the match 4–4 heading into the final hole.
Final eagle secures the win
On hole 15, 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 6–4 win.