Atlanta Drive Wins Inaugural TGL Title Over New York Golf Club

Photo : Instagram / @golf_com

Atlanta Drive GC made a big comeback to win the first TGL championship in a match against New York Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The final score was 4-3.

At the beginning, Atlanta had a tough time. They couldn’t win any of the first 11 holes and were behind 3-0. But then, with smart play and a good strategy using the "hammer," they turned things around.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Billy Horschel made a key 17-foot putt on the 14th hole, which gave Atlanta two points and put them ahead. Then, Patrick Cantlay finished the job with a perfect pitch shot on the last hole.

The winning team, including Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel, and Patrick Cantlay, shared a prize of $9 million (AED 33 million). New York Golf Club received half of that.

Horschel was happy about the win and said, “I said it many times: it’s my house. This is different from what we usually play. We want to entertain, and that’s what this is all about. It’s been great to play with these guys.”

Atlanta won the first match of the series on Monday, which meant New York had to win both matches on Tuesday to stay in the game. But they couldn’t do it.

"We didn’t want to go to another match. We’re just happy that it’s over," said Horschel. Thomas also said, "It’s been a great season. When the playoffs came, it was competitive. We really wanted to win."

For a while, it looked like New York was going to win and force a Game 3. Atlanta couldn’t make any putts, and New York seemed to have control of the match. But then, there was a controversy. Schauffele from New York threw the “hammer” (an orange towel) just as Thomas was getting ready to make an 11-foot putt.

According to the rules, once a player is about to hit the ball, the hammer can’t be used. But the official said Thomas hadn’t put both hands on the putter yet, so the hammer was allowed. Atlanta decided not to accept it and Thomas gave up the hole, which gave New York an extra point. New York went ahead 2-0.

But the lead didn’t last. Atlanta quickly caught up and won the match.

New York’s Young said, “The short game is really important here, and we just couldn’t get anything to go in tonight.”

In the end, Atlanta Drive GC won the first TGL championship, showing their strong comeback and great teamwork.