Los Angeles GC Stages Comeback to Defeat The Bay and Secure Top Seed in Playoffs
Los Angeles Golf Club (LAGC) pulled off yet another stunning comeback, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to defeat The Bay Golf Club 5-3 in TGL Match 13. This victory secured LAGC the No. 1 seed in the SoFi Cup Standings as the postseason approaches.
The highly anticipated battle between the top teams of the regular season kicked off a Monday doubleheader in TGL, presented by SoFi. Despite The Bay’s undefeated streak leading up to the match, they now seem locked into the No. 2 seed. The only scenario in which they could be overtaken is if Atlanta Drive wins 11 out of 15 holes in their upcoming match against Jupiter Golf Links.
With this result, The Bay and Atlanta Drive are set to face off in the semifinals, while Los Angeles awaits the fourth and final playoff contender. The race for this last spot intensifies as Boston Common Golf takes on New York Golf Club in a decisive match.
Theegala and Fleetwood Spark LAGC’s Rally
Collin Morikawa, a key player for Los Angeles, acknowledged the team’s accomplishment but emphasized the importance of staying focused for the playoffs: “It’s great, but we know the job’s not done. We’ve worked hard for the No. 1 seed, but now we need to bring our best game in the playoffs.”
Sahith Theegala and Tommy Fleetwood played instrumental roles in Los Angeles’ turnaround, igniting the SoFi Center crowd with clutch performances. Theegala chipped in a brilliant birdie from 20 feet on the 12th hole, pushing LAGC to a 4-3 lead while his father, Muralidhar Theegala, celebrated enthusiastically in the stands. Fleetwood followed up by chipping in on the next hole, preventing The Bay from gaining a crucial point and maintaining LAGC’s lead heading into the final two holes.
Tennis legend and LAGC co-owner Serena Williams was in attendance, having flown in from the Academy Awards festivities on the West Coast. Her presence added to the excitement as Los Angeles pulled off yet another dramatic comeback.
Turning the Tide in Singles Play
The momentum of the match shifted dramatically in Singles play. With Los Angeles trailing 3-1, The Bay attempted an early strategic move when Min Woo Lee hit a strong drive but landed in the penalty area on his second shot. LAGC responded by throwing the Hammer, which The Bay declined, resulting in a crucial two-point swing that tied the match at 3-3 entering the 11th hole.
Theegala reflected on the team’s resilience: “It felt like last week. We were playing well but just weren’t making putts. We kept hitting it close, and we knew the momentum would eventually turn.”
Los Angeles clinched its first point heading into Singles after Wyndham Clark’s errant tee shot on the ninth hole. Theegala capitalized by driving straight down the fairway and forcing The Bay to decline the Hammer, making the score 3-1 after Triples.
The Bay had taken an early 3-0 lead, thanks to clutch birdie putts from Lee at the third and fourth holes. However, LAGC’s patience paid off, as they strategically declined the Hammer at No. 6, preventing The Bay from extending their lead further.
Highsmith’s Career Milestone
Joe Highsmith also made headlines with his performance, securing the largest final-round comeback of the 2025 PGA TOUR season with a four-stroke rally at the Cognizant Classic. His win earned him a spot in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and solidified his status as a rising star, with his PGA TOUR card secured through 2027.
As the playoffs approach, Los Angeles GC has proven they can thrive under pressure. With their ability to stage dramatic comebacks, they are a formidable contender for the SoFi Cup title.
