In a gripping showdown on March 18, 2025, the Atlanta Drive Golf Club showcased their prowess by defeating The Bay Golf Club 9-3 at the SoFi Center, securing a place in the inaugural TGL Finals Series. The Atlanta team, comprised of Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Billy Horschel, displayed exceptional skill and teamwork against their competitors, Shane Lowry, Ludvig Åberg, and Min Woo Lee, who were missing key player Wyndham Clark due to injury.
The first half of the match was a fierce contest with Atlanta leading 4-2 after nine holes. The pivotal moment came on the par-5 10th hole when Justin Thomas experienced an unexpected turn of fortune. His iron shot veered towards a water hazard but miraculously bounced back into play, allowing him to win the hole with a two-putt par. “That is the luckiest bounce I’ve ever seen,” commented Rory McIlroy, who was present as a guest commentator for the match.
Patrick Cantlay further solidified Atlanta's lead with a remarkable performance on the par-3 12th, where both teams had thrown the hammer, elevating the hole's value to double points. Cantlay secured a birdie, sealing the match with three holes remaining. “Our team has played well every match,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of close matches and hit shots when we needed to. We’ll take that into next week.”
The victory places Atlanta against the New York Golf Club, which features notable players Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, and Xander Schauffele. This best-of-three series is set to commence with Match 1 at 9 p.m. ET on March 24, followed by Match 2 on March 25 at 7 p.m. ET. If needed, Match 3 will also take place later that same day.
The Atlanta Drive’s win marked a significant achievement, not only due to their performance but also for overcoming the absence of Wyndham Clark from The Bay team, a player whose statistics dominated the TGL season. The Atlanta team, which entered the TGL playoffs as the number three seed, emerged triumphant as the underdogs – just as the New York Golf Club had done the previous day by defeating the top-seeded Los Angeles team 6-4.
Atlanta's journey reflects the league's unpredictable nature, where each match can have drastically different outcomes. “It seems to be totally different each night,” Thomas shared ahead of the finals. “But I like our team and our chances. I’m excited. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
As the finals approach, anticipation builds, intensifying the excitement surrounding the inaugural TGL season. The winning team in the finals will split a stunning $9 million prize. Thomas mused at the stakes, “We all played really well tonight. We all contributed,” reinforcing the sense of team spirit that has been vital for Atlanta's success so far.
Although the playoffs have seen a particular turn of events, the atmosphere inside the SoFi Center was electric, with fans, including former MLB player Chipper Jones and former NFL star Michael Vick, cheering for the Atlanta team. Their support undoubtedly bolstered the players as they executed their shots with precision.
The TGL, founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, aims to draw a younger audience by utilizing a unique virtual format hosted in a compact stadium atmosphere that enhances fan engagement. This innovative approach sets the TGL apart from traditional golf tournaments, showcasing a spectacle filled with excitement and camaraderie.
As the championship series approaches, both Atlanta Drive and New York Golf Club will need to refine their strategies and performances. Each player will be crucial to their team's success, and the pressure will test their skills and resolve. As fans eagerly await the upcoming matches, the question remains: who will take home the coveted title and the grand prize?
The upcoming matches promise excitement and drama, with competitors at the top of their game vying for golf's new crown. The best-of-three series signifies the culmination of the first TGL season, as both teams aim to leave a lasting legacy.
In the end, golf is live and vibrant, thriving in the heart of innovation through the TGL— a testament to the sport's adaptability and the athletes’ relentless pursuit of excellence.
