TGL Tripleheader ATL vs LA Recap

For a company that changes so much, and so fast, even I was surprised by the scale of evolution that TGL has brought to these matchups after just a weeklong hiatus. From the repainting and redecorating of the front entrance, to the new lighting additions all over the plaza and stadium, to the increased amount of merch and food options, they’ve taken all the incremental changes week by week and overhauled them in every sector, giving TGL a refreshed feel. This feeling has perfectly carried over into the match, with the teams going back and forth in shots, banter, and hammers like it’s their day job. Sahith summed it up perfectly when in a quick mid match interview, he spoke to TGL’s ability to give the players a fun way to enjoy the game of golf and their camaraderie, harking back to some of the reasons TGL was made in the first place. But, it also speaks to the atmosphere that TGL is looking to create, similar to the one you have with some of your closest friends, where stakes are low enough you can have fun, but each drive, iron, chip and putt is fueled by a passion to win and beat the other team.

The biggest change felt during the matches is the new hammer rules, which have changed it from a neutral strategic option to an aggressive offensive play. This has done wonders for the back and forth ability of the matches, even though it has caused an increase in hammer concessions. But, these increased concessions come hand in hand with a very much increased amount of hammers thrown. It’s been interesting to see how a strategy of multiple early hammer throws can try and chip away at a teams confidence early, while finding the right moments to fight back and throw a hammer of their own. The match remained close throughout the triples section, with dueling hammers and incredible close putt misses from both sides ensuring the competitive pressure remained dense, while the enthusiastically cutthroat attitude Sahith talked about stayed palpable from start to finish. With chipping being a struggle from both sides, it really came down to not just the putts, but some of the strategic on the green hammer throws making the difference.

With two holes to play and down one, Patty Ice, the man known for his clutch singles play, proved once again why he owns that nickname with an insane tee shot on the par 3 “On the Rocks”, putting it to about 2 feet. But, Tommy wasn’t going to let him have his moment, sinking an 18 footer to tie the hole and keep LA afloat. But, ATL had the last laugh, with Sahith going bunker to bunker in his shots, giving JT the opportunity to walk LA down, holing out to win and bringing the match to the second shootout in TGL history. Patty Ice once again put his name to the test and delivered a clutch pitch shot next to the hole, netting ATL a win in their first of two matches today. They take on The Bay GC at 4 PM, with Lucas Glover subbing in for Billy Horschel and Min Woo Lee making his first ever TGL appearance.