Atlanta Drive GC edges New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener — Billy Horschel seals the win with a walk-off 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, sidelined due to back surgery, was present but did not play. Atlanta Drive GC secured a 6–4 victory in a tightly contested match.
Horschel shines despite roster changes
Much like last season’s final, Atlanta Drive GC once again triumphed over New York GC in a dramatic showdown. Billy Horschel, who delivered the decisive eagle, said after the match: “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 injured Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover. Gotterup made an impression early when his driver broke on the first tee shot of his TGL debut. Using Conners’ backup club, he still found the fairway perfectly to officially launch 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 parred the first three holes. New York GC scored first with a birdie on hole 4, but Atlanta Drive GC responded strongly, especially on holes 8 and 9. On the ninth, they used TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule to raise the stakes.
TGL’s Hammer rule changes the game
The Hammer is a signature rule of TGL, allowing a team to double the point value of a hole by throwing an orange flag. The opposing team can accept the challenge or forfeit the hole. New York GC accepted the Hammer on hole 9, but Atlanta’s birdie secured two points and a 4–1 halftime lead.
The final six holes were played in Singles format, with each player facing two opponents. On 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.
Horschel’s eagle clinches victory
The match came down to the final hole. Atlanta used the Hammer again, and New York accepted. Billy Horschel then drained an 11-meter eagle putt to defeat Xander Schauffele and secure the 6–4 win for Atlanta Drive GC.
Billy always delivers. pic.twitter.com/3YzgOxZmTB
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