TGL introduced the Hammer as a game-changing element, but LAGC’s timing turned it into a decisive advantage.
Each team is allowed three Hammer throws, and each hole allows two accepted Hammers (one per team), raising the value of the hole by one point. But each member of LAGC kept a Hammer in his back pocket for the singles. “It was pretty intentional,” according to PGA Tour golfer Sahith Theegala.
“We’ve kind of had that strategy for most of the year,” the PGA Tour star said during the TGL Season 2 Semi-finals press conference. “A hammer late in the match is so important. If we’re up a few points we can really put the match on ice. And if we’re down two or three points, we could make a really quick come back. I think that strategy works out great.”
The opposing team is often left wondering when the Hammer will be used, and that uncertainty forces them to think ahead and adjust under pressure. Keeping a Hammer in the back pocket paid off for LAGC as they moved on to the finals.
“I think our hammers were all well timed and well thrown,” Theegala confirmed. “I’m glad we had one there.”
But how did LAGC come up with the idea?
Tommy Fleetwood Explains the Hammer Against Billy Horschel
The idea came to Fleetwood when he saw Billy Horschel roll six-foot past the 14th hole in the semi-final. He knew the Hammer would likely not be used on the final hole. LAGC needed to go one-up or risk losing the Hammer.
He explained that with Billy Horschel facing a 5-footer, there were three outcomes: accepting the Hammer would likely send the match to the final hole if both players holed out, missing would end it, and declining would still lead to it being used on the last hole.
It was exactly the kind of situation LAGC had planned for, where timing the Hammer could force a difficult decision and shift control of the match.
Horschel didn’t want to accept the Hammer because a miss would mean a three-point lead for LAGC.
In the end, LAGC clinched a win after Fleetwood tied the last hole in the singles against Chris Gotterup. A well-timed Hammer played a key role in defeating the reigning TGL champions.