The TGL playoff match between The Bay Golf Club and Atlanta Drive Golf Club took place on Tuesday evening, resulting in a victory for Atlanta.
Entering the postseason as the No. 2 seed, The Bay GC had previously experienced only one defeat this season, against Los Angeles Golf Club on March 3rd. This loss cost them the top playoff seed. Atlanta Drive GC, seeded third, had also lost only once before, ironically to The Bay on February 17th.
Representing The Bay were Min Woo Lee, Ludvig Åberg, and Shane Lowry, with Wyndham Clark sitting out. Atlanta’s team featured Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel, and Patrick Cantlay, while Lucas Glover was inactive.
Ultimately, Atlanta emerged victorious with a score of 9-3. They will now proceed to the finals to compete against New York GC in a best-of-three series scheduled for March 24th and 25th.
Here are some of the standout plays from Tuesday’s TGL playoff game.
Lee’s Powerful 190 mph Drive
Continuing his regular season form, the league leader in driving distance and speed, Min Woo Lee, showcased his power on his first drive of the night. He achieved a distance of 328 yards with a peak speed of 190 mph.
Star-Studded Playoff Audience
The TGL semifinal match attracted a number of celebrity spectators. Among those watching were former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, former Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, golfer Rory McIlroy, and Atlanta Falcons players Michael Penix Jr. and Kyle Pitts.
Lowry’s Near Bunker Shot
Shane Lowry almost secured par on Hole 8 with an impressive 40-foot bunker chip shot, preventing Atlanta from gaining a point. The shot was accurately aimed but narrowly missed the hole, veering slightly right at the last moment.
Thomas’ Fortunate Bounce on Hole 10
Justin Thomas benefited from luck on his second shot on Hole 10. The ball, initially heading out of bounds, bounced back into play off a restricted area. Rory McIlroy, commentating on the broadcast, remarked it was ‘the luckiest bounce’ he had ever witnessed.
Cantlay’s Near Hole-in-One Secures Victory
Facing elimination, The Bay used their last ‘hammer’ on Hole 12, doubling the hole’s point value. However, Patrick Cantlay responded for Atlanta with a shot that nearly went in for a hole-in-one.
Cantlay’s ball landed just under four feet from the hole. To ensure their win, Atlanta also played their final ‘hammer’, tripling the hole’s points. Cantlay then made the subsequent putt, securing the victory for Atlanta.
