TGL Season 2: Atlanta Drive GC Triumphs Over New York Golf Club in Thrilling Opening Match
The second season of TGL (Tech Golf League) officially commenced on Sunday, delivering an exhilarating rematch of the previous season’s final. Defending champions Atlanta Drive GC faced off against New York Golf Club, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
Due to injuries, Atlanta’s roster saw some last-minute changes. Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners stepped in to join Billy Horschel. Unfortunately, Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover were sidelined, while Justin Thomas, who is currently recovering from surgery, made a brief appearance on the ESPN broadcast alongside Matt Barrie to commemorate the season’s launch.
Here’s a recap of the match, which featured a unique format where the first nine holes were contested as triples, followed by six singles matches.
Triples Format
Match Overview
- Hole 1 (The Plank): Tie
- Hole 2 (Stone & Steeple): Tie
- Hole 3 (Fallen Pine): Tie
- Hole 4 (Big Apple): New York wins, taking a 1-0 lead
- Hole 5 (Set in Stone): Tie
- Hole 6 (Stinger): Tie
- Hole 7 (Cliffhanger): Tie
- Hole 8 (Flex): Atlanta wins, tying the match at 1-1
- Hole 9 (Fore-0-Fore): Atlanta wins with a successful Hammer throw, leading 3-1
Singles Format
Key Matchups
- Hole 10 (The Spear): Chris Gotterup defeats Cameron Young, extending Atlanta’s lead to 4-1
- Hole 11 (Loot On The Line): Corey Conners drives into a penalty area; New York claims the hole, narrowing the score to 4-2
- Hole 12 (Cenote): Tie
- Hole 13 (Bluebonnet): Cameron Young edges out Chris Gotterup, making it 4-3
- Hole 14 (On The Rocks): Matt Fitzpatrick sinks a crucial putt to even the score at 4-4
- Hole 15 (Quick Draw): Billy Horschel sinks a pivotal putt after Atlanta throws the Hammer, securing the victory with a score of 6-4
Notable Moments
Billy Horschel’s winning putt was a remarkable 37-footer, marking the second-longest putt in TGL history.
"Billy always delivers." – TGL on Twitter
This opening match was a thrilling display of skill and strategy, showcasing TGL’s integration into the broader landscape of golf and sports culture. The competitive nature of the matchup, combined with the entertainment value, made for an engaging season opener.
Team Highlights
A notable development this season is the introduction of dedicated team holes. The fourth hole, known as "Big Apple," served as New York Golf Club’s hole, and Atlanta’s "Fore-0-Fore" not only garnered points but did so with exciting flair thanks to a Hammer throw.
As the season unfolds, TGL continues to captivate audiences with its unique format and competitive spirit. Atlanta Drive GC has proven to maintain its championship prowess, while Billy Horschel’s clutch performances reinforce his reputation as a standout player.
With the season underway, golf fans can expect even more thrilling action from TGL. Let’s see how it all unfolds!
