Billy Horschel delivered a stunning performance to kick off the second season of the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-created indoor golf league, TGL, by sinking the second-longest putt in the league’s history. The 37-foot eagle putt on the final hole secured a thrilling victory for defending champions Atlanta Drive GC over New York Golf Club, in a rematch of last season’s Finals.
The event, streamed live on FOX SPORTS and available on Kayo Sports, saw Horschel’s decisive play become an instant highlight. “About five feet out, it looked pretty good,” Horschel commented after the match. “What a heck of start to Season 2 of TGL.”
The Drama of the Final Hole
Xander Schauffele had a chance to match Horschel’s heroics but missed his putt to the right, sealing the victory for Atlanta Drive. The team faced challenges leading up to the match, with Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover withdrawing due to injuries. They were replaced by Chris Gotterup and Corey Conners, who stepped in admirably.
TGL’s second season has introduced several changes, including a larger green and new virtual holes, with each team boasting its own specially designed hole. Despite these innovations, Horschel’s ability to perform under pressure remained a constant.
Horschel’s Passion for TGL
At 39, Horschel has embraced the innovative concept of TGL, becoming one of its standout players. Last season, he secured the title for his team with an 18-foot double breaker, earning a US$9 million prize. Reflecting on his career, Horschel shared, “I’ve played professional golf for so long, my 17th year on the PGA Tour is starting in a couple of days. You do it for so long, and the grind of the PGA Tour with the wear and tear, it’s just groundhog day over and over.”
“But when you come into something like this, something completely different, that you couldn’t imagine, it brings you a kid-like atmosphere. Something brand new, something fun to be a part of.” – Billy Horschel
The Evolution of TGL
The TGL, co-founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has quickly become a popular platform for showcasing golf in a new, exciting format. The league blends traditional golf with modern technology, offering fans a unique viewing experience. The introduction of virtual holes and team-specific designs adds a fresh dynamic to the game.
As the league continues to grow, it attracts a diverse audience eager to see how the sport evolves. The success of the first season set high expectations, and the thrilling start to the second season suggests that TGL is poised to exceed them.
Looking Ahead
With the second season underway, fans and players alike are eager to see how the new changes will impact the competition. The league’s innovative approach and the high-caliber performances from players like Horschel promise an exciting season ahead.
As Horschel noted, the TGL brings a renewed sense of excitement and passion to the sport, offering players and fans a chance to experience golf in a novel way. With the season just beginning, the league is set to continue its trajectory of success and innovation.
