Atlanta Drive GC have been crowned the first-ever champions of TGL, securing a massive £6.95million ($9million) prize pot to be shared among their four-man team.
The inaugural season of the innovative golf competition, designed to "bring golf into the 21st century", concluded with Atlanta defeating New York Golf Club in the Finals Series to claim the SoFi Cup.
The substantial financial reward will be divided between team members Billy Horschel, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Lucas Glover.
The Atlanta team triumphed over a star-studded New York Golf Club lineup featuring Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have both championed the new TGL
PADespite finishing as runners-up, the New York team didn't leave empty-handed, collecting a substantial £3.48 million ($4.5 million) prize pot.
The competition, co-founded by golfing legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has introduced a hybrid simulation approach to the sport.
Both founders also participated as players in the inaugural season of their innovative tournament.
Woods and McIlroy also reaped financial rewards from their brainchild competition. Woods banked £338,883 ($437,500) from his team's fifth-place finish.
McIlroy, the recently-crowned Players Champion, earned £290,606 ($375,000) for his exploits in TGL.
These substantial earnings came from just a few weeks of participation in the tournament they helped create.
The innovative format has divided opinion among golf enthusiasts, with some purists questioning the hybrid simulation approach.
Billy Horschel, part of the winning Atlanta team, expressed his enjoyment of the tournament despite scheduling challenges.
"I think we all have had a lot of fun," Horschel said. "Obviously it is a little bit of a challenge with everything we've got going through the year with our own schedules."
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy made a pretty penny from the TGL, despite their teams failing to reach the latter stages
GETTYHe added: "I don't think anyone has ever walked away and said this felt like a burden. It's just something new and exciting and we all enjoyed it. To walk away as champions with these guys is pretty cool."
Even Phil Mickelson, who was unable to compete in TGL due to his LIV Golf allegiance, spoke positively about the new tournament.
"It would be great for golf if this were to succeed," Mickelson commented.
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The moment Atlanta Drive GC won the inaugural season of TGL! 🏆🤩 pic.twitter.com/Sf1CttewVd
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) March 26, 2025
He highlighted the potential benefits for spectators: "The golf fan is the most loyal fan in sports.
"Buy a ticket, walk miles and see a fraction of the action, but this could allow the golf fan to buy a ticket, sit down and watch the action just like other sports.
"It could really be good for the game if it's compelling."
