Atlanta Drive GC produced a stunning comeback to defeat New York GC 4-3 in Match 2 of the TGL Finals, securing the SoFi Cup with a 2-0 series victory.
Atlanta and New York had pulled off upset victories in the semi-finals to make the SoFi Cup series and bid to become the first champions.
In Monday’s Match 1, Atlanta had taken a 1-0 series lead with a 6-5 victory that was sealed by a Patrick Cantlay putt on the final hole.
It looked like New York GC would level the series SoFi Center arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and take it to a deciding Match 3.
Atlanta trailed 3-0 after 11 holes with four holes of Match 2 to play but mounted an epic comeback led by Billy Horschel and Cantlay and the use remaining “hammer” available.
At the par-3 12th hole, they threw their first hammer after Cantlay hit his tee shot to 4 feet. New York declined, allowing Atlanta to cut into the lead by just one.
Atlanta continued to apply pressure by throwing their second hammer at the 13th hole after Xander Schauffele hit his approach into a bunker. New York again declined, but Atlanta reduced their lead to 3-2.
On the penultimate hole, Horschel sank an 18-foot birdie putt worth two points after the “hammer” was accepted this time, giving Atlanta the lead and sparking wild celebrations.
Cantlay secured the win on the final hole, matching Cameron Young‘s birdie to give Atlanta the 4-3 victory.
Atlanta Drive GC’s four-man team, including Cantlay, Horschel, Justin Thomas and Lucas Glover, split the $9 million first prize after victory in the TGL Finals.
New York Golf Club’s team of Schauffele, Young, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick share $4.5 million as runners-up.