Atlanta Drive Crowned Inaugural TGL Champions; Tiger Woods Absent from Finale
Tiger Woods offered his congratulations to Atlanta Drive after they were named the champions of the first-ever TGL season. However, the golf icon was noticeably absent from the concluding event of his innovative new golf league.
Days after confirming his relationship with Vanessa Trump, Woods, 49, commended the victorious team—Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Justin Thomas, and Lucas Glover—who secured the $9 million prize.
‘Congratulations to Atlanta GC, (owner) Arthur Blank, JT, Pat, Billy Ho, and Lucas. What a finish and an excellent way to conclude year one of TGL,’ Woods stated in a social media post.
Woods and McIlroy’s Absence at Championship Finale
Despite co-founding TGL, neither Woods nor Rory McIlroy were present on stage to recognize the champions on Tuesday evening.
This follows Woods and Trump publicly acknowledging their relationship by sharing images on social media and declaring ‘love is in the air’.
DailyMail.com initially reported the news of the golf legend dating Donald Trump Jr.’s former wife, and Woods subsequently wrote: ‘Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We anticipate our journey through life together.’
Tiger Woods congratulated the winners of TGL but was not present at the finals event.
Atlanta Drive GC celebrated as the inaugural TGL champions in Florida on Tuesday night.
DailyMail.com exclusively revealed the golf icon’s relationship with Donald Trump Jr.’s ex-wife.
Woods also added, ‘We would appreciate discretion at this time for all those close to us.’
The couple resides 20 minutes from each other in Palm Beach, a wealthy enclave in southern Florida, not far from where Atlanta Drive GC defeated New York Golf Club in a dramatic second match, securing a 2-0 victory in the best-of-three series.
TGL’s Inaugural Season and Championship Match
This championship marked a significant moment for the virtual golf league, which faced a year-long delay due to damage at the SoFi Center, the purpose-built arena in Palm Beach Gardens, reportedly costing $50 million.
Woods and McIlroy were instrumental in developing the new team-based format, incorporating a cutting-edge simulator.
However, both chose to remain absent from Tuesday’s final. Blank, the Atlanta Drive team owner, acknowledged their contribution during his trophy acceptance speech.
Woods also missed last week’s TGL semifinals because of surgery for a ruptured Achilles. He participated for Jupiter Links in the first season, but they did not advance to the postseason.
Atlanta Drive achieved a remarkable comeback on Tuesday to secure a 4-3 win.
Key Moments from Atlanta Drive’s Victory
Horschel made a pivotal 17-foot, double-breaking putt on the 14th hole, earning two crucial points and propelling Atlanta into the lead. Subsequently, Cantlay solidified the victory with a precise pitch shot to the final hole.
Neither Woods nor co-founder Rory McIlroy were on stage to present the trophy to the first-ever champions.
Billy Horschel’s crucial 17-foot putt at the 14th hole contributed to Atlanta’s triumph.
Justin Thomas and his teammates will share the $9 million prize, while New York will receive $4.5 million.
Players’ Reactions and TGL’s Success
The winning team will divide a $9 million purse, with New York receiving $4.5 million.
‘This is a different experience compared to our weekly tournaments. Our aim is to entertain, and that’s the essence of this league. It’s been fantastic being with these three players,’ Horschel commented.
Atlanta’s victory in the first match of the best-of-three series on Monday put pressure on the New York team—Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young—who needed to win both matches scheduled for Tuesday.
‘TGL has completely surpassed my expectations,’ Thomas stated. ‘The level of competition, especially in the playoffs, was intense. We were all determined to win.’
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