EXCLUSIVE ….. Double BMW PGA Championship winner Billy Horschel believes after a season of gut-wrenching new misses, Rory McIlroy will head into a New Year set to enjoy golfing greatness.
It was less than a fortnight ago when Hoschel brilliantly pulled the Wentworth winning championship rug right out from the feet of rivals McIlroy and South African Triston Lawrence in a play-off at DP World Tour HQ.
Horschel, 37, sensationally holed an eagle putt at the second extra hole to capture a second BMW PGA Championship crown and his 11th pro-career triumph.
Billy Horschel, winner over Rory McIlroy at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship believe McIlroy headed for greatest in the New Year. (Photo – PA)
“I was more nervous standing over my final tee shot on the 72nd hole, knowing I needed to have a good tee shot”, Horschel said ahead of this week’s Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
“Then in the play-off it was more-or-less that I should not have been in a play-off but I was, so I then thought to myself I really should not be in a play-off.
“Though looking back maybe it was Thriston Lawrence not birdieing either of the closing two holes and then wondering how did Rory (McIlroy) not birdie the 18th from the middle of the fairway?”
Victory lifted Horschel to 17th in the World Rankings and just one place shy of a highest ranking in some two years.
Sadly, for McIlroy it was a second straight DP World Tour event where he snatched defeat from the hands of victory, and also a third occasion in season 2024 when also falling so agonisingly shy at the PGA Championship.
No stranger @BillyHo_Golf to #dunhilllinks with recent @BMWPGA back in post his double Wentworth
Billy speaking of his shock after seeing first hand damage back home caused by #HurricaneHelena
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— Golf & Science News (@TOURMISS) September 30, 2024
Despite McIlroy’s pain, Horschel has nothing but praise for his good friend believing 2025 will unfold seeing McIlroy bathed in acclaim.
“Looking ahead I do believe something great is going to happen to Rory”, said Horschel.
“The way Rory’s handled this year and for not cracking following those like Bryson (DeChambeau) who got in his way at the U.S. Open and then what unfolded for him at the Irish Open and then the week later at Wentworth.
“It’s why I feel next year could be a really incredible year for Rory”.
I politely interrupted remarking: Could be really incredible and translate into an Augusta National members jacket?
“I hope so for Rory’s sake”, Horschel said.
Billy Horschel believing Rory McIlroy is headed for the greatest in 2025 – Image GolfByTourMiss
“I know too well no-one deserves anything in this game and you must deserve it but you look at what Rory has done in the game of golf, it deserves to win golf’s Grand Slam.
“Of course, you could say the same about Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and the likes of Phil Mickelson, I just feel that it would be great to see someone like Rory achieve the feat.
“I’ve seen Tiger (Woods) achieve such a milestone but then to have someone that I know as well and as admire like Rory, would be unbelieveable”.
Horschel says he and McIlroy have become good friends and despite the visiting American denying McIlroy among the leafy Surrey surroundings the pair have nothing but respect for each other.
“Rory and I are pretty good friends. He’s sent me great messages in the past and I’ve done the same, so we’re good friends”, said Horschel.
“The great thing also about Rory is that he’s always been pretty honest with everyone. He says things as he sees them and while he’s changed his mind about what is continuing in the bigger picture in men’s golf, I don’t fault him for it.
“So, I found myself applauding him for changing his views and listening to him. There is not many guys in the game of golf better than Rory”.
