Boston Common Golf Secures Historic First TGL Victory, Thorbjornsen Shines
In a landmark moment for the team, Boston Common Golf claimed its inaugural victory in the TGL (TMRW Sports Golf League) on Friday, defeating Los Angeles Golf Club 7-5. The win was largely propelled by the exceptional performance of fill-in player Michael Thorbjornsen, whose clutch putting proved decisive.
Thorbjornsen stepped into the lineup with both Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott unavailable for Boston Common’s opening match of the 2026 season. He immediately made his presence felt, sinking an unprecedented four putts from beyond 10 feet – a TGL first. This remarkable display of skill under pressure underscored his burgeoning talent and adaptability.
“Felt pretty comfortable out there,” Thorbjornsen commented modestly after the match, downplaying a performance that captivated viewers and secured a crucial win for his team.
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Boston’s Putting Prowess Fuels Victory
Boston’s success wasn’t solely attributable to Thorbjornsen’s individual brilliance. The team collectively excelled on the greens, converting six putts from 10-20 feet – matching their entire total from the inaugural TGL season. This dramatic improvement in putting performance was a key factor in their triumph.
Keegan Bradley attributed the team’s enhanced putting accuracy to renovations made to the GreenZone. “We were all reading them together really well. I think Rory reads them really, really good. So does Michael, obviously. We just were out there, and we had these good looks,” Bradley explained. “Michael and I, we had a bunch of these putts in practice. He had a couple where he’s like, ‘I know exactly what these do.’ It’s a big bonus.”
Match Recap: A Back-and-Forth Battle
Los Angeles drew first blood, but Boston quickly responded after Sahith Theegala’s approach on the par-5 2nd found the penalty area. Boston strategically deployed a “hammer” – a challenge to a difficult shot – which Los Angeles declined, awarding Boston a point. The match remained fiercely competitive, with teams trading points throughout the initial rounds.
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The match remained tied at 4-4 after the initial rounds. The singles competition saw Rory McIlroy secure a point for Boston on the 10th, countered by Collin Morikawa for Los Angeles on the 11th. Thorbjornsen then extended Boston’s lead with a 17-foot birdie putt on the challenging ‘Cenote’ hole – a uniquely designed feature McIlroy described as having “no limitations.”
With Boston leading by one, the final point came down to a head-to-head showdown between Thorbjornsen and Theegala. Despite Theegala’s recovery after finding the penalty area on the final hole, Thorbjornsen’s precise approach shot set up a decisive 15-foot putt, which he calmly converted to seal the victory.
“Obviously, it’s been a long time coming for Keegan and I to get a win. Not so long for Michael – he seems like a natural out there,” McIlroy said. “It was a great match, a lot of back and forth, a lot of quality shots, a lot of birdies and eagles and hammers thrown and bullets dodged.”
“This guy to my left (Thorbjornsen) was a stud tonight, and he was the star of the show.”
The Brooks Koepka Question: Will He Join the TGL?
Rumors are swirling regarding Brooks Koepka’s next move following his announcement that he will not compete on the LIV Golf circuit in 2026 and beyond. Given his proximity to the SoFi Center and previous attendance at TGL matches, speculation is mounting about a potential move to the league.
McIlroy acknowledged the possibility, stating that while the final decision rests with “more powerful and more important” individuals, he, as a founder of the TGL, would welcome Koepka with open arms. “I would love him to play. If there’s space on a team for Brooks to come and play, it only makes what we’re trying to do stronger. He’s a five-time major champion. He’s been one of the best players of our generation,” McIlroy said. “If he decides it’s something that he wants to do, I’m sure we’ll find a way to include him.”
However, Koepka’s participation hinges on regaining PGA Tour membership, which he relinquished after joining LIV Golf. The Tour would initiate a reinstatement and disciplinary process, but Koepka remains eligible for the four major championships thanks to his five-year exemption from his 2023 PGA Championship victory. ESPN provides further details on Koepka’s eligibility and potential return to the PGA Tour.
The TGL’s innovative format and growing popularity are attracting significant attention from top golfers, and Koepka’s potential involvement would undoubtedly elevate the league’s profile even further. Learn more about the TGL and its unique approach to golf entertainment on the official PGA Tour website.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TGL and Boston Common’s Victory
- What is the TGL and how does it differ from traditional golf? The TGL is a tech-infused golf league featuring a short-form, team-based format played in a custom-built arena. It utilizes advanced technology and a faster pace of play to appeal to a broader audience.
- Who is Michael Thorbjornsen and why was his performance so significant? Michael Thorbjornsen is an up-and-coming golfer who filled in for injured players on Boston Common. His exceptional putting performance, including a TGL record of four putts from over 10 feet, was crucial to the team’s victory.
- What role did the renovated GreenZone play in Boston Common’s success? The renovated GreenZone improved the visibility of green breaks, allowing players to read putts more accurately and contributing to the team’s overall putting performance.
- Could Brooks Koepka join the TGL in the future? There is speculation that Brooks Koepka could join the TGL, but his participation depends on regaining PGA Tour membership and the league finding space for him on a team.
- What is a “hammer” in TGL play? A “hammer” is a strategic challenge issued by one team to the opposing player, requiring them to attempt a difficult shot. If the player succeeds, their team gains a point.
What do you think about the future of the TGL and its potential to revolutionize the game of golf? And will we see Brooks Koepka teeing it up in the league soon?
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