TGL is coming to the ATL! The state of Georgia is the home of one of golf's most iconic tournaments and venues, with The Masters coming from Augusta National each April, so it seems only right that it should be represented by a team in the inaugural season of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL.
There are several huge sporting teams in Atlanta, including the Falcons, the Braves and the Hawks, and now it has its own golf team in the Atlanta Drive GC, one of the six franchises from across the USA taking part in the inaugural season of the Florida-based, tech-infused contest.
The first TGL match will take place on 7 January 2025 and will be played inside the purpose-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, with the action broadcast live on ESPN and following a unique matchplay format featuring a giant simulator and a short game area and putting surface.
However, Atlanta Drive GC will need to wait a little longer to get its challenge underway. The team's TGL bow will come on Tuesday 21 January against Xander Schauffele's New York Golf Club.
Atlanta Drive GC will also play against the other TGL teams in five regular-season matches before four teams qualify for the postseason with semi-finals and a final championship series, which concludes the inaugural season on 24 and 25 March.
Atlanta Drive GC Players
- Justin Thomas
- Patrick Cantlay
- Billy Horschel
- Lucas Glover
Justin Thomas was the first player signed to Atlanta Drive GC, with the two-time Major champion later joined by fellow Americans Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel and Lucas Glover.
Thomas is one of just six players to win two Majors and 15 titles before turning 30. He also has the FedEx Cup title and The Players Championship crown on his resume, while he has amassed career winnings of close to $60m.
“Atlanta and the state of Georgia have been the home to some of the biggest sporting events in the country and I’m excited to represent fans there as part of TGL and Atlanta Drive GC,” said Thomas.
“To be aligned with an owner like Arthur Blank and his incredible variety of businesses as they expand their golf portfolio, feels like a great fit for me.
"I promise our team will compete hard to win championships and have a lot of fun along the way. We will represent Atlanta in the best way possible while helping grow the game everywhere through this unique TGL format.”
Both Cantlay and Horschel are also former FedEx Cup champions, while Glover won the US Open in 2009. Add to that Thomas and Cantlay's recent Ryder Cup experience as well as Cantlay's pivotal role in the 2024 US Presidents Cup win and the team has the potential to be one of the best in the TGL.
“I could not be more excited to join Atlanta Drive GC and represent Atlanta in TGL,” said Cantlay.
“The city of Atlanta has a rich golf history and being able to bring a new and innovative golf product to its incredible fans is an honor.”
Who owns Atlanta Drive Golf Club?
Atlanta Drive GC is part of the ownership group of Arthur M Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment, which is based in the city and has plenty of experience in sports and entertainment.
Blank is also the owner of NFL team Atlanta Falcons as well as Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, which won the 2018 MLS Cup.
The new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the city, which has held a Super Bowl, is also owned by the group, while it also has America's biggest golf retailer, PGA Tour Superstore as part of its portfolio.
The smaller details appear to have been taken care of too. For example, to tie in with Blank's other teams, Atlanta Drive's logo is red, which is a primary color for both the Falcons and Atlanta United.
Dick Sullivan, the CEO of the PGA Tour Superstore, will oversee Atlanta Drive in TGL and says the team's name and color scheme all plays to the city's traits.
“Atlanta is a city known for its unwavering pursuit of growth and prosperity. This brand reflects who we are and what Atlanta has become,” Sullivan explained.
“Steeped in a rich history of golf, the brand celebrates the city’s legacy while embracing the innovation in the sport that will continue to propel golf to the next level.
"We are excited to bring this brand to life with some of the best golfers in the world representing our great city. And we’re committed to making this Atlanta’s team, and a club that everyone belongs to.”
