PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Los Angeles Golf Club snatched a dramatic 6-5 victory over Jupiter Links Golf Club Monday night in the opening match of the inaugural TGL Championship presented by UPS, a comeback sealed by the slimmest of margins on the 15th hole at SoFi Center. The win gives LAGC a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch on Tuesday evening.
The TGL, a tech-infused golf league founded by Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Mike McCarley, aims to bring a new energy to the sport, and Monday’s match delivered on that promise. The atmosphere inside SoFi Center was electric, a blend of traditional golf fans and a younger audience drawn to the league’s innovative format and immersive experience. The match wasn’t decided by booming drives or spectacular approach shots alone, but by the pressure-packed performances on the virtual greens and the strategic decisions made by each team.
LAGC, comprised of Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Sahith Theegala, found themselves trailing for much of the night. Jupiter Links, featuring Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner, and Max Homa, built an early lead, capitalizing on precise putting and aggressive play. However, a late surge from Los Angeles, fueled by a crucial chip-in from Rose and a tense finish, ultimately turned the tide. The format, which awards points per hole won and doubles the points on designated “drop zones,” added another layer of complexity and excitement to the competition.
Woods and Tkachuk Share a Moment
Before the competition began, a unique moment unfolded as hockey star Matthew Tkachuk, fresh off winning a gold medal with the United States at the recent Winter Olympics, had the opportunity to meet Tiger Woods. A photo shared on social media by SportsCenter showed Tkachuk proudly displaying his gold medal to Woods, who appeared genuinely impressed.
Matthew Tkachuk got to meet Tiger Woods and indicate him his USA Hockey Olympic gold medal while at the TGL Finals 🙌
Look how excited Tiger was 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eH7plLcTOV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 24, 2026
Kim Sets the Early Pace
Jupiter Links drew first blood on the 7th hole, thanks to a clutch eight-foot putt from Tom Kim. According to TGL’s official feed on X (formerly Twitter), Kim’s putt proved pivotal, putting his team ahead 2-1.
He does what he does pic.twitter.com/wDb8mDw7F4
— TGL (@TGL) March 24, 2026
Fleetwood, unable to answer with a putt of his own from just over three feet, watched as Jupiter extended their advantage.
Rose Responds with a Chip-In Masterclass
The lead was short-lived. On the 8th hole, Justin Rose delivered a moment of brilliance, chipping in from 35 feet to level the match at 2-2. A video posted by ESPN showed Rose’s reaction, a clear display of the intensity and excitement of the TGL format.
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Homa, attempting to match Rose’s brilliance, missed his 13-foot, seven-inch putt, leaving the match tied.
Kisner’s Flair and a Dramatic Finish
After dropping consecutive holes, Kevin Kisner injected some personality into the match, tying it up on the 12th with a stunning tee shot. A celebratory dance, captured by TGL, quickly went viral.
Ladies and gents, Kiz delivers some brilliance on Cenote! ➡️ 6’1″ pic.twitter.com/06zKlmaMMD
— TGL (@TGL) March 24, 2026
The decisive moment arrived on the 15th hole, designated as a “drop zone” worth two points. Theegala’s impressive approach left the fate of the match in Kisner’s hands. His chip from 22 feet came agonizingly close, stopping just six inches from the hole, handing the victory to Los Angeles. A video of the final shot, posted by ESPN, highlighted the tension and the heartbreaking near-miss for Jupiter Links.
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The second match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, also at SoFi Center. Fans can find the full schedule and more information about the TGL at TGLgolf.com. The stakes will be even higher as Jupiter Links looks to respond and keep their championship hopes alive.
What did you suppose of the first TGL match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
