If you’re new to TGL, you might be wondering about the scoring system. How do teams score points? How is it different from what we see on the PGA TOUR? And what’s the deal with the “Hammer”?

Fear not, future TGL superfan. Whether you're new to the sport or just curious about the fresh format, you’ll be up to speed in no time. Let's break down the TGL scoring system...

15 Holes of Golf

First, the basics: Every TGL match is 15 holes long.

That’s a shorter format than traditional 18-hole rounds, and TGL matches are split into two sessions:

• Triples (holes 1–9): Team vs. team golf where players hit alternate shots on the same hole
• Singles (holes 10–15): One-on-one showdowns where players compete individually on behalf of their team.

Each hole starts worth 1 point. Whichever team wins the hole earns the point. If the hole is tied, no points are awarded—no carryovers, no "push it to the next hole". It's done and we move on.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: Introducing the Hammer.

Each team has three Hammers to use per match. When used, the Hammer raises the stakes—literally. It can increase the value of a hole to 2 points or even to 3 points, depending on how many Hammers are played on the hole.

How Scoring Works in TGL

In TGL, every hole is a battle for points. It’s team golf, and each hole is a chance to add to your team's points total. The team with the most points at the end of the match wins.

• Win the hole by taking fewer strokes than your opponent or your opponent picks up and concedes the hole? Your team gets 1 point.
• Tie the hole? Neither team gets anything.
• Lose or concede the hole? Your opponent gets the point.

This scoring system applies to both Triples and Singles. In Triples, players work together to win holes (and points available). In Singles, it’s a one-on-one battle—but the points available still count for the team total.

And of course, if a Hammer is played? One hole could be worth 2 or even 3 points in a flash. Suddenly, the math (and the pressure) quickly builds up.

How the Hammer Impacts Scoring

Let’s dive a little deeper on the Hammer.

What is the Hammer?

Each team gets three Hammers to use per match. Typically, the team on the receiving end of a Hammer throw gets to decide whether to "accept" the Hammer, which increases the points value, or whether to "decline", which concedes the hole and the points available to the team that threw the Hammer. A team can choose to throw the Hammer on a hole before it starts, automatically raising the value of that hole from 1 to 2 points (i.e. it cannot be declined).

There is also the possibility that a team accepts a Hammer before throwing one of their own, upping the hole value to 3 points, which is the maximum value of any one hole.

• Maximum of two Hammers accepted per hole, one from each team (for a maximum points value of 3 on a single hole)
• No do-overs—once you use a Hammer, it's gone

Why it Matters?

The Hammer introduces a risk-reward element and becomes a huge strategy play. Do you save your Hammers for later holes—or use them early to build momentum? When should you accept and when should you decline?

It’s part strategy, part swagger.

Does TGL Have Ties?

Good question.

TGL has tied holes, where neither team gets a point. But what if the match score is tied after 15 holes? That’s when things get fun.

Welcome to Overtime.

Season 1 saw a few nailbiters, with teams clawing back in the final holes to force Overtime.

TGL Scoring in Overtime

If teams are tied on the scoreboard after 15 holes, they head to Overtime—a sudden-death, closest-to-the-pin showdown to find a winner. It's the best two-out-of-three so the pressure is on.

The Overtime winner earns 1 extra point in the final score. So, if both teams finish regulation at 5–5 and your team wins Overtime, the final score becomes 6–5.

How the Score Impacts Strategy

Because each hole is worth at least 1 point—and sometimes more—strategy is key.

Several times during Season 1 we saw teams mount late comebacks thanks to crucial Hammer throws and gutsy plays.

In Match 2 of the Finals Series, Atlanta Drive was 3-0 down to New York going to Hole 12 and in need of inspiration. Patrick Cantlay got them on the board and JT quickly made it 3-2 on Hole 13. Then, Billy Horschel flipped the match with a Hammer throw and clutch putt to turn the tables, helping clinch the SoFi Cup for Atlanta in a dramatic 4-3 victory.

And that wasn't the only crazy momentum swing in Season 1, as LAGC staged comebacks against The Bay and New York.

Strategic Decisions Teams Make

• When to use the Hammer: Atlanta Drive used the Hammer to great effect in Season 1, knowing when to throw, accept or decline based on the state of the match and how their opponents were likely to react. They won the most Hammers over the season (10) and lost the fewest (4), setting the standard on their way to the SoFi Cup. By the end it added up to a +13 points differential off Hammers for Atlanta Drive, more than double the next best Hammer team (LAGC was +6 points off Hammers).
• Protecting a lead vs. playing catch-up: Up big? Maybe save your Hammers and be cautious not to accept too many from the opposition. Down late in the match? Fire away.
• Reading the match flow and timing your throws: Depending on the state of the match, it may make sense to throw Hammers when your confident of winning the hole or in a strong position (to bank the points available) or to throw them when the situation is more uncertain (and therefore the opposing team is more likely to accept and up the points value of the hole).

Every hole matters. In the race for the playoffs, the top four teams in the SoFi Cup Standings at the end of the regular season reach the postseason, and if two teams are tied on points, the first tiebreaker is holes won.

Scoring Summary

Here's a quick recap: