Billy Horschel explains why he changed his mind about playing at this week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai

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Billy Horschel is back in DP World Tour action for the first time since the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at this week’s season finale in Dubai.

The DP World Tour Championship is up for grabs at Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course, with Thriston Lawrence and Rory McIlroy vying for the Race to Dubai crown.

Horschel made history at the BMW PGA Championship, becoming the first American to win the flagship event twice; however, despite the win, the 37-year-old isn’t in contention to win the order of merit.

Horschel has been praised for playing in DP World Tour events, and the American has been embraced by the European crowds, particularly in the UK.

Now, ahead of the end-of-season tournament, Horschel has revealed the reason why he felt it was important to compete in the UAE.

Billy Horschel explains why he’s competing at DP World Tour Championship

• READ MORE: Billy Horschel discloses what Rory McIlroy did after he beat him in a playoff to win the BMW PGA Championship

Speaking during his pre-tournament media duties, Horschel said: “I’m excited to be here. Listen, it’s their Tour Championship. It’s their last event of the year. It means a lot to everyone who gets here. It’s very similar to our Tour Championship on the PGA Tour.

“So you know, when I won Wentworth, this wasn’t on my schedule originally and then when I won, I felt like I needed to make sure I show up and attend a special event, and that’s what I’m doing.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully a great week. I haven’t done a lot of practice over the last month. Greens are a little rusty, but we’ll see what happens.”

Billy Horschel 2024 DP World Tour record

Horschel has become somewhat of a favourite on the DP World Tour. During the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the American was supported in a similar way to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, with many willing him on to claim victory over Rory McIlroy.

Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele would be wise to follow in Horschel’s footsteps and perhaps compete in one or two of the DP World Tour’s iconic events.

Horschel will be looking to improve his recent form in Dubai. The American missed the cut at the Open De France and also finished well out of contention at the Alfred Dunhill.

Yet, as the golfing world saw at Wentworth, Horschel is more than capable of rising to the occasion at the most significant moments. If Horschel’s putter warms up, he’s more than capable of making a run for the lucrative prize money on offer.