The Atlanta Drive GC has been named the first-ever champions of the SoFi Cup. As the inaugural TGL season wraps up, what have the players’ reactions been, and how has their experience been in this new league?
This tech-savvy indoor golf league coincided with the opening three months of the PGA Tour season, featuring six teams from different cities competing in a round-robin format.
Among the founders of this league are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, both of whom saw their teams fall short of the semi-finals. Atlanta Drive advanced to the finals against New York Golf Club, fighting for the title in a best-of-three series.
Atlanta Drive won the first match 6-5 and, with the aid of Billy Horschel and Patrick Cantlay, mounted a remarkable comeback in the second match, clinching the season title with a game to spare. Joining the TGL champions’ team were Justin Thomas and Lucas Glover, while New York Golf Club’s lineup included Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, and Matt Fitzpatrick, preparing for the 2025 season.
How Did It Fit into Players’ Schedules?
Matches took place on Monday or Tuesday evenings at the specially designed SoFi Center in Florida, allowing players to juggle TGL commitments alongside their regular PGA Tour schedules. Each of the six teams consisted of a four-member roster, with three players selected for each match. Additionally, some teams offered one-match contracts when two players were unavailable.
What Did Players Think About the Playing Venue?
The indoor arena, nearly the size of a football field, features two specific zones: the ‘Screenzone’ for simulator shots and the ‘GreenZone’ for short-game plays. Each match attracted around 1,500 spectators. Horschel shared his excitement, comparing entering the arena to a football player stepping onto a major stadium or a basketball player entering a vibrant arena.
Did Players Enjoy the Team Format?
Each match involved 15 holes divided into two segments—nine holes of triples (where three players play alternate shots) and six head-to-head singles involving one player from each team. Unlike the regular grind of the PGA Tour, players found this team-oriented format fun and exhilarating. Fowler highlighted that players were primarily competing for pride rather than monetary gain.
What Improvements Came Mid-Season?
An innovation called ‘The Hammer’ allowed teams to double the value of a hole, but earlier rules led to ‘Hammer hoarding’ when a team had the lead. Improvements enabled each team to utilize three Hammers per match, which increased competition and added excitement to the matches. Players recognized that changes made throughout the season improved both the matches and the overall experience.
What Changes Might We See Next Season?
Plans for the 2026 season format and schedule are still pending, with players open to suggestions for enhancements. Schauffele mentioned the possibility of shortening the season or timing it to conclude just before The Players Championship, indicating excitement for further developments ahead of the TGL’s next year.
