Atlanta Drive GC defeats New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener – Billy Horschel seals the match 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 Lineup Changes
Just like in last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again edged out 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 immediate impression when his driver broke on the first tee, forcing him to use Conners’ backup club. He still managed a perfect shot down the fairway to officially launch the season.
The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, with three players per team taking alternating shots in a set order. Both teams played par on the opening three holes, before New York GC scored first with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly on holes 8 and 9, utilizing the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule to gain an edge.
TGL’s Hammer Rule Turns the Tide
The Hammer is a strategic rule in TGL 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 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 play, where each player faced two opponents in head-to-head matchups. Atlanta declined a Hammer on hole 11, allowing New York to close the gap to 4–2. Eagles and birdies from Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick tied the match at 4–4 by hole 14.
Final Eagle Secures Victory
The match came down to the 15th and final 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 clinch the win.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB