Atlanta Drive GC Crowned Inaugural TGL Champions
The Atlanta Drive Golf Club has made history by winning the inaugural TGL championship, following a gripping two-match series against New York Golf Club. After an impressive start with a win in Match 1, Atlanta continued their dominance by clinching Match 2 with a narrow 4-3 victory.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Entering the final match trailing 3-0 after the first round of triples, Atlanta Drive showcased remarkable resilience. They made a strategic comeback during the singles session, leveraging their methodical play to secure essential points, notably through the use of the “hammer” mechanism which allowed them to turn the tide.
A pivotal moment unfolded when Billy Horschel faced Rickie Fowler on the crucial penultimate hole. After New York Golf Club opted to utilize the hammer, Horschel executed a stunning 18-foot downhill putt—his longest of the season. His ecstatic celebration included throwing his putter and spiking his hat, energizing the SoFi Center crowd, and allowing Atlanta to take the lead for the first time with just one hole remaining.
Patrick Cantlay, rounding off the match against Cameron Young, obtained the decisive points needed, securing the championship title for Atlanta Drive.
A Season of Success
The Atlanta Drive’s victory can be attributed to a well-rounded team performance throughout the season, with contributions from prominent players including Horschel, Cantlay, Justin Thomas, and Lucas Glover. As champions, they will be rewarded with a total prize of $9 million for their efforts.
Throughout the season, Atlanta employed the point-enhancing hammer tactic 13 times, amassing a remarkable total of 23 points, outpacing all rival teams by 18 points, including the crucial points that led to their victory in the final match.
New York Golf Club’s Journey
Despite coming up short in the championship, the New York Golf Club had a commendable run. The team, which included Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, and Matt Fitzpatrick, faced challenges early in the season but turned things around with a strong late push, winning three consecutive matches and notably upsetting the top-seeded Los Angeles Golf Club in the semifinals.
As runners-up, New York Golf Club will take home $4.5 million, ensuring that each player earns over a million dollars for their performance this season.