The inaugural championship matchup of the TGL has been set, with Atlanta Drive Golf Club (GC) securing their place in the finals after a decisive semifinal victory over The Bay Golf Club. The match, held at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, concluded with Atlanta claiming a solid 9-3 win.

Match Recap

Atlanta Drive GC consisted of prominent players Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Billy Horschel. This semifinal was critical for Atlanta as they sought revenge for their previous loss to The Bay on President’s Day. The Bay’s lineup included Ludvig Åberg, Min Woo Lee, and Shane Lowry, but they faced challenges as their MVP, Wyndham Clark, was sidelined with an injury.

Early Advantage for Atlanta

The match commenced with an early lead for Atlanta, who claimed two points within the first three holes. This early momentum proved significant, as The Bay’s attempts to recover were stymied. The turning point came on the par-5 4th hole, where Min Woo Lee managed to put The Bay on the scoreboard, showcasing impressive distance with a 260-yard shot landing close to the hole.

Strategic Play and Key Moments

A critical pattern emerged throughout the match, with teams declining the hammer advantage strategically to deny their opponents additional points. Despite tying the competition temporarily on the 7th hole using a hammer, The Bay’s ability to maintain that level was fleeting.

Atlanta further solidified their lead by winning the short par-4 8th, thanks to Horschel’s skillful tee shot landing on the green. By the time the Singles were introduced, Atlanta led 4-2.

Final Stages

The Singles matches saw Cantlay and Thomas outplay their opponents, further widening the gap. After Thomas took an early point from Lowry, a tied match between Horschel and Lee on the par-4 11th only amplified The Bay’s struggles. In a critical misstep, Åberg’s decision to play the hammer on the par-3 12th backfired as Cantlay’s precise shot secured three points, effectively sealing Atlanta’s victory and their future in the championship match.

Looking Ahead

Now, Atlanta Drive GC turns their focus to the championship round, where they will face the New York Golf Club, featuring stars like Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young. The stakes are high as Atlanta seeks to capture the first TGL championship title.