2025 TGL Playoffs: What to Expect
The inaugural season of the TGL presented by SoFi has delivered what many golf fans hoped for: a high-energy competition with dramatic finishes and a fresh twist on the sport they love. Now, the stakes will be even higher as the TGL Playoffs are set to begin in a few weeks, with the semi-final matchups being played on March 17-18, 2025. The teams have battled through the regular season, showcasing elite shot-making, clutch performances, learning experiences, and plenty of viral moments along the way, but, in the end, only one squad will be able to lift the first ever SoFi Cup. The intensity is ramping up, and this new format is designed for high-pressure golf. The playoffs will be a proving ground for both established superstars and rising talents. Who will step up under the lights? Who will crumble under the pressure? Which team will make history as the first TGL Champion?
TGL Playoff Format
The TGL Playoffs will be a knockout-style competition where the top four teams from the regular season will battle for the SoFi Cup. During the regular season, each of the six teams played the other five once. The winner of each match earned two points, zero points for losing straight up, and one point for losing in a playoff. Total holes won during the regular season was also a factor in who could make the playoffs.
Seedings & Matchups - The regular season standings determine what teams get a playoff spot and how they are seeded. The first-place team will face the number four seed in the first semi-final matchup, and the second-place team will take on the third-place team in the other matchup. Both matches will be one single-elimination round. They will also be televised on ESPN.
Semi-final Format - In the first Semi-Final match on March 17th, the first place Los Angeles Golf Club will face the fourth place New York Golf Club, while the Bay Golf Club will face Atlanta Drive GC on March 18th. Both matches will follow TGL’s signature format of alternate shot triples for the first nine holes, followed by six holes of singles, all match-play style. The team with the most holes won advances. If the match ends in time, the winner will be determined by a best-of-three closest to the pin round.
Finals - The two semi-final winners will face off in a best-of-three championship series to determine the first ever SoFi Cup Champion. The first of the finals will be played on March 24th. The second match will be played on March 25th. If necessary, the third match will also be played on the 25th. All matches will be nationally televised on ESPN and will follow the TGL signature format with alternate shot triples for nine holes and six holes of singles, all match-play.
Playoff Teams
Los Angeles Golf Club - Number One Seed
Roster - Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala, Tommy Fleetwood
LAGC had an outstanding regular season and was able to establish themselves as the team to beat. During the regular season, they had the most holes won, and their only loss came in overtime. As a team, they’re tied for second in points won in triples and solo second in points won in singles. They’ve also proven they can win in a multitude of ways, whether it be in a blowout or coming from behind. Being clutch under pressure could be huge as they make their run at the SoFi Cup.
The Bay Golf Club - Number Two Seed
Roster - Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg, Min Woo Lee, Wyndham Clark
Even though they’re the number two seed, the Bay Golf Club might be the scariest team in the TGL Playoffs. Their one loss came from a come-from-behind victory by LAGC. They finished the regular season with the second most holes won, first in points won in triples, first in holes won in triples, and fourth in holes won in singles. They were also first in scrambling, first in short putts made, second in medium putts made, second in long putts made, and first in scrambling from bunkers. On top of all that, they were even first in fairways hit and greens in regulation. If they can play to their potential in the playoffs, it’s going to be difficult for any team to beat them on the way to SoFi Cup glory.
Atlanta Drive GC - Number Three Seed
Roster - Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover
Atlanta Drive GC has as good a chance as anybody to bring the first-ever SoFi Cup home. They’ve proven they can get it done in clutch moments and were able to give LAGC their one loss with an overtime victory. Their one loss came at the hands of the Bay Golf Club by just one point. They finished the regular season first in points won in singles, second in holes won in singles, second in scrambling, and first in medium putts made. Their fight and resiliency will make them a difficult team to eliminate on the road to the SoFi Cup.
New York Golf Club - Number Four Seed
Roster - Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick
New York GC was able to secure the final playoff spot despite a roller-coaster season, which included two early blowout losses. An injury to the number three ranked player in the world, Xander Schauffele, may have contributed to some of the struggles, but having him back for the playoffs could be huge for them. They finished the regular season third in points won in triples, second in holes won in triples, second in greens in regulation, third in scrambling, third in short putts, first in long putts, and second in proximity from bunker shots. They have all the tools necessary to make a run at the SoFi Cup, and some of that may depend on Schauffele’s health, but LAGC needs to bring their A-game if they want to knock out New York in the semifinals.
