The inaugural TGL championship matchup has been set after an exciting semifinal clash on March 18, 2025, where the Atlanta Drive Golf Club triumphed over The Bay Golf Club with a decisive 9-3 victory. This thrilling match took place at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, showcasing the talents of some of golf's best players.
Atlanta Drive’s roster, featuring Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Billy Horschel, had a point to prove after falling to The Bay earlier in the regular season on President's Day. This time, there was no stopping them as they sought revenge and ultimately secured their place in the finals against New York Golf Club, which boasts players like Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick.
The Bay, who entered the match with confidence, unfortunately played without their key player, Wyndham Clark, who was sidelined due to injury. This absence proved significant as Atlanta Drive quickly established momentum in the match. Within the first few holes, Atlanta had surged to a lead, pulling ahead 2-0 by the third hole. But it wasn’t until the crucial par-5 fourth that The Bay finally got on the scoreboard. Min Woo Lee made an impressive shot, landing a long iron from 260 yards within 17 feet of the hole, showcasing his skills.
Throughout the match, the strategy involving the use of the “hammer” became apparent as each team tried to outmaneuver the other. The hammer allows a team to secure points more effectively, and Atlanta took full advantage on the sixth and eighth holes, further extending their lead. Horschel's remarkable drive onto the putting surface on the short par-4 eighth was a highlight for Atlanta, marking another point in their favor.
Lowry's performance for The Bay, however, suffered a setback. After a rough start, he struggled with the opening hole, inadvertently gifting the first point to Thomas. Following this, Atlanta went on to dominate the singles competition, where Cantlay shone brightly. His efforts on the par-3 12th hole proved monumental; he stuffed his tee shot inside four feet, putting pressure back on The Bay. Åberg, aiming for a comeback, played the hammer but missed his opportunity to capitalize and contributed to a 5-2 deficit.
The overall structure of the match showed the strategic dynamics of TGL’s format, which features two teams of three golfers competing over 15 holes in a unique environment combining real golf surfaces and advanced technology. This league is a brainchild of golfing legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, merging competitive play with a fan-friendly atmosphere.
The matchup was part of the larger TGL playoff series, with the championship finals set to take place on March 24 and 25. The New York Golf Club made headlines themselves, having upset the top-seeded Los Angeles Golf Club just a day earlier with a final score of 6-4. Their surprising victory adds an extra layer of excitement going into the finals.
The SoFi Center, newly constructed at the Palm Beach State College, enhances the experience with its expansive 250,000 square feet facility, featuring the impressive 64 by 53-foot simulator screen and a rotating green that provides unique challenges for the players.
In gearing up for the finals, Atlanta Drive holds the advantage of having previously tasted defeat against The Bay, giving them invaluable experience and motivation. The upcoming clash against New York will not only test their skills but also determine the first-ever TGL champion. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how this unique format will continue to evolve and capture the attention of the golfing community.
As the excitement builds for the finals, it remains to be seen whether Atlanta can continue their winning streak or if New York will claim the title. TGL’s innovative framework is clearly thrilling fans as established names in golf engage in this modern competition. All eyes will be on the SoFi Center as it hosts this historic championship next week.
