Justin Thomas Becomes First Player Signed To A TGL Team
Atlanta Drive Golf Club has signed the two-time Major winner to its roster ahead of January's TGL launch
Two-time Major winner Justin Thomas has joined Atlanta Drive GC for the inaugural season of TGL.
Created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and their company TMRW Sports, TGL will see six teams of elite PGA Tour golfers compete in a custom-built arena on weekday nights in a move that aims to offer an exciting and different experience to any regular Tour event.
Atlanta Drive GC has become the first team to announce one of their four-man roster, with the unveiling of PGA Tour superstar Thomas coming before the sixth and final club name has been revealed.
TGL says it worked with teams, players, and player management in order to maintain “competitive balance” across the whole league. And “considerations were made for the ESPN broadcast schedule” as well as “in certain cases, elements of what made each team, ownership group, and city or region unique.”
Winner of the 2017 and 2022 PGA Championship, Thomas will be joined by three other players from the 24-man TGL roster in the coming weeks as the tech-infused, prime-time golf league prepares to launch in January 2024.
2x Major winnerFedExCup ChampionThe PLAYERS ChampionPGA TOUR Player of the YearNow, @JustinThomas34 is the first member of Atlanta Drive GC! pic.twitter.com/Ld6IZuWHTAOctober 31, 2023
Speaking after being confirmed as the first golfer to headline Atlanta’s squad, Thomas said: “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.
“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.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“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.”
One of us. One of us. pic.twitter.com/AECcQgt20POctober 31, 2023
Atlanta Drive said one of the key reasons behind signing Thomas was his "stellar record" in Match Play golf, citing his overall score of 15-6-3 across Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup events.
TGL will operate with a 'modern match-play' format in which the first of two regulation sessions will feature a three-on-three alternate shot match - with a point on offer for each hole won.
In the second session, there will be a six-hole 'singles' match where each player will face off for two holes. Should the score be tied at the end, the overtime tiebreaker will consist of a 'nearest the pin' competition where all three players will shoot until one team lands two balls closer to the hole than their opponents.
Dick Sullivan - CEO of PGA Tour Superstore and the man overseeing Atlanta Drive GC - said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Justin Thomas to Atlanta Drive GC and believe he’s a perfect fit for who we want this team to be and how we want to play.
“Thomas’ remarkable talent, unwavering dedication to the game, and competitive spirit make him a fan favorite and someone who represents the values that drive all AMBSE teams and businesses.”
Atlanta Drive GC is part of Arthur M. Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) portfolio, joining the likes of NFL team Atlanta Falcons and MLS club Atlanta United.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
What Is The NCAA?
The NCAA plays a key role in the college careers of many players who make it in the professional game, but what is it?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tiger Woods' Sun Day Red 'Reluctantly' Counter-Sues Company Over Logo-Infringement Claims
Sun Day Red and Tigeraire are now involved in two separate lawsuits - one motioned by each side - relating to the respective companies logos
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Niall Horan Invests In Rory McIlroy’s TGL Team As Tyrrell Hatton Replacement Confirmed
The former One Direction singer has invested in Boston Common Golf as Tyrrell Hatton's replacement is announced
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Remember TGL? Several New Details (Including An Official Start Date) Emerge On Tiger Woods And Rory McIlroy's Postponed Golf League
PGA Tour golfer Rickie Fowler explains a whole host of fresh details on the indoor golf competition, which is set to begin in 2025
By Jonny Leighfield Last updated
-
TGL Confirms Newest Side As Atlanta Drive GC Complete Four-Man Squad
The TGL franchise has confirmed its newest team, which features Major winners and Ryder Cuppers
By Michael Weston Published
-
TGL New York - All You Need To Know About The Steven Cowen-Owned Franchise
All you need to know about TGL New York, the fourth team to be announced ahead of the inaugural season
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Atlanta Drive Golf Club - Justin Thomas' TGL Team And Who Owns It
All you need to know about Atlanta Drive Golf Club, who will have Justin Thomas in the team for TGL
By Paul Higham Published
-
Tiger Woods Makes Latest Jibe At LIV Golf After Launching Jupiter Links TGL Club
The 15-time Major winner said he "couldn't figure what the hell was going on" at times when watching the PIF-backed Tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Shot Clock And Referee Among New Elements Revealed By TGL
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will incorporate competitive aspects from other sports like American Football and Tennis in their new tech-forward golf league
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Los Angeles Golf Club - Collin Morikawa's TGL Team
All you need to know about LAGC, which features two-time Major champion Collin Morikawa
By Michael Weston Published