BMW PGA Championship smashes attendance record as 114,285 fans watched Billy Horschel beat Rory McIlroy
The BMW PGA Championship, which saw Billy Horschel take victory after a three-way playoff, is one of the biggest events on the DP World Tour. It's one that a number of golfers make it a point to play in, even if their tour allegiances lie elsewhere.
That was true this year as well, and it's always a delight for fans. In 2024, more fans than ever before came out to watch the tournament over the weekend.
According to the tournament organizers, a stunning total of 114,285 fans came out to witness the play at Virginia Waters in Surrey, England.
It was the most anyone has ever attended in the history of the event, which began in 1955. It surely helped that this year's edition ended up being a terrific competition, as the fans were out in droves all weekend long.
Four days of high-quality golf resulted in a three-way playoff between Billy Horschel, Rory McIlroy, and Thriston Lawrence, all of whom shot 20-under par over the course of four rounds.
Billy Horschel feels for Rory McIlroy after playoff loss
The BMW PGA Championship title came down to a three-way playoff. After one hole, which Thriston Lawrence bogeyed after his shot landed in the water, it was down to Billy Horschel and Rory McIlroy.
Horschel earned a tight victory, edging out McIlroy. Speaking after his win, he said he was excited having "given his all" at the Wentworth Club. Sportingly, he added a note of consolation for his beaten playoff rival and friend, McIlroy. He said (via ESPN),
"At the same time, I am a little disappointed. Rory is a really good friend of mine, he is a generational talent, and he has been so close this year. I feel for him, but I am also excited.
"There was a lot of luck on my side to get this victory today. I will give my all on every shot and grind it out, and that is what I did today. That is what you have to do when you are not firing on all cylinders."
On the other hand, McIlroy, who has come close to winning big events this year but fallen short on a few occasions, said he believes his work bodes well for the future.
The Irishman added:
"I'm excited for the future. I'm playing well. I keep giving myself chances. I just have to dust myself off and get myself ready for the last three events of the year."
McIlroy has now suffered two consecutive one-stroke defeats. He fell to Rasmus Hojgaard by one stroke last week at the Amgen Irish Open, also another DP World Tour event he signed on to compete in.