The highly anticipated second season of TGL competition kicked off with a thrilling matchup as the reigning champions, Atlanta Drive Golf Club, went head-to-head against the 2025 runners-up, New York Golf Club (NYGC).
Atlanta Drive demonstrated that they haven`t lost a step, securing a tight 5-4 victory over New York in a match that literally came down to the very last shot.
Representing Atlanta were active players Billy Horschel, Corey Conners, and Chris Gotterup. Notable players Justin Thomas, Lucas Glover, and Patrick Cantlay were inactive due to injury/unavailability. For NYGC, the lineup featured Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, and Matt Fitzpatrick, while Rickie Fowler sat out.
Key Moments from the Season Opener
Gotterup Starts the Action
Stepping in for the injured stars (Thomas, Glover, and Cantlay), Chris Gotterup earned the honor of hitting the inaugural shot of the 2025-2026 season. He impressed with a powerful drive spanning 295 yards, setting the tone for the defending champions.
Unexpected Misfortune on Hole 6
In a rare moment of shared struggle, both teams encountered similar bad luck on the challenging Hole 6 (the stinger hole). Xander Schauffele of NYGC and Billy Horschel of Atlanta Drive both clipped a simulated rock hazard on their drives. Despite the difficulties, the hole ultimately ended in a tie.
Horschel’s Heartwarming Gesture
During a break in the high-stakes match, Billy Horschel took a moment to acknowledge a young fan celebrating a birthday in the stands. Horschel personally handed the boy a golf ball and appeared to sign it, highlighting a charming moment of sportsmanship.
Young Climbs Back for New York
With Atlanta holding a precarious two-point lead entering Hole 13, NYGC desperately needed a win. Cameron Young delivered under pressure, sinking a critical 23-foot putt that successfully cut Atlanta’s lead, making the score 4-3 and intensifying the race to the finish.
Fitzpatrick Forces the Tie
The momentum continued for New York on Hole 14. Following Young’s clutch shot, Matt Fitzpatrick followed suit, sinking a crucial 21-foot putt of his own. This remarkable shot tied the overall score at 4-4, sending the match into a winner-take-all final hole.
Horschel Delivers the Decisive Eagle
With the entire match hanging in the balance, Billy Horschel proved his veteran composure. He calmly sank a stunning 37-foot eagle putt to secure the victory for Atlanta Drive. This match-winning shot was celebrated as one of the longest and most critical putts in TGL history, clinching the season opener 5-4 for the defending champions.
