"I think the world of him"- Billy Horschel after beating Rory McIlroy in a crucial playoff at BMW PGA Championship
Billy Horschel spoke about Rory McIlroy after defeating the Northern Irish golfer at the recently-concluded BMW PGA Championship. The American golfer finished in a tie with McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence at the DP World Tour after playing four rounds at 20-under.
They headed into a playoff, where Lawrence was eliminated on the first hole after shooting a bogey. On the second hole of the playoff, Horschel carded an eagle while McIlroy settled for a birdie, resulting in the American golfer winning the tournament.
Following the tournament, Billy Horschel opened up about playing with McIlroy and lauded the four-time Major winner.
"He's a really good friend. We go back to Walker Cup in 2007, our head-to-head days. I think the world of him. I think he's the best player in our generation. He's done so much for the game. You see the support he has here; you see the support he has around the world. He has the most crowds and supporters outside of Tiger Woods. He's great, I think, for the game of golf. He does so many great things," Horschel said (via ASAP Sports).
Notably, it was Billy Horschel's second win of the year, having previously won the 2024 Corales Puntacana Championship, a PGA Tour event. The 37-year-old defeating Wesley Bryan by two strokes.
Moreover, it was also his second time winning the BMW PGA Championship. He had previously won the tournament in 2021 by defeating Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Laurie Canter, and Jamie Donaldson.
"I'm just over the moon"- Billy Horschel reflects on his emotions after winning the 2024 BMW PGA Championship
During the post-tournament press conference, Horschel reflected on his victory at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship. He appreciated McIlroy and also Matteo Manassero, who was in the lead after the third round but shot 73 on Sunday and slipped down three spots on the leaderboard to settle in a three-way tie for fourth place with Matthew Baldwin and Aaron Rai.
Having turned pro in 2010, Manassero had a strong start to his career but also faced rough times. The Italian golfer remained winless on the European Tour for around nine years before winning the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open. He also had some notable finishes this season, including third place at the Irish Open and a T6 at the Betfred British Masters.
Billy Horschel spoke about his win and also Manassero struggled in the game over the years.
"Feels great. Still a little bit of shock but listen, it was a fabulous week and a fabulous four days of golf. You know, playing against some of the best players in the world in Rory McIlroy and Matteo who has come back from his struggles, so many top players up there, and to come out victorious, right now, I can't describe it. I'm speechless. But I'm just over the moon," Horschel said (via ASAP Sports).
Billy Horschel was in second place after the third round of the 2024 BMW PGA Championship. He shot 67 in the final round to jump one spot on the leaderboard and settled in a three-way tie before finally winning in the playoff to claim the title. It was his third win on the European Tour and the first since his victory at the 2021 BMW PGA Championship.