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Billy Horschel leads Atlanta Drive GC to dramatic TGL season opener win

Billy Horschel leads Atlanta Drive GC to dramatic TGL season opener win
Billy Horschel seals the first TGL match for Atlanta Drive GC. (Photo: x.com/@TGL)

Atlanta Drive GC edges New York GC 6–4 in a thrilling TGL season opener — Billy Horschel seals the win with a final-hole eagle.

The innovative 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 clinched the match 6–4.

Horschel shines despite roster changes

Much like last season’s final, Atlanta once again triumphed over New York in a tightly contested 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,” said Horschel after the win.

Horschel was joined by newcomers Gotterup and Conners, filling in for 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 — yet he still delivered a perfect opening shot.

The first nine holes were played in the Triples format, where three players alternate shots in a set order. Both teams opened with pars, but New York struck first with a birdie on hole 4. Atlanta responded strongly, gaining key points on holes 8 and 9. On the ninth, they deployed the TGL’s unique “Hammer” rule.

TGL’s Hammer rule shifts momentum

The Hammer allows a team to raise the point value of a hole by throwing an orange flag. The opposing team can accept the challenge, increasing the stakes, or decline and forfeit the hole. New York accepted, and Atlanta won the hole with a birdie, taking a 4–1 lead into halftime.

The second half featured six holes in Singles format, with each player facing two direct matchups. New York narrowed the gap to 4–2 after Atlanta declined a Hammer on hole 11. Eagles and birdies from Young and Fitzpatrick tied the score 4–4 heading into the final hole.

Final eagle clinches victory

On hole 15, Atlanta once again used the Hammer. New York accepted, and Horschel delivered a clutch 36-foot eagle putt to defeat Schauffele and secure the 6–4 win.

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