Billy Horschel won his second BMW PGA Championship title on Sunday, with the American making an eagle on the second play-off hole to beat Rory McIlroy at Wentworth.
Billy Horschel missed out on the final day at The Open Championship when the lead was moving around the field at Royal Troon before Xander Schauffele took charge of the tournament – with Thriston Lawrence also in the mix that day in South Ayrshire.
And there were similarities on Sunday at the BMW PGA Championship, with Matteo Manassero starting the lead with a commanding lead, and Aaron Rai right in contention until he put his approach in the water on 18. Once again, Lawrence was on pole position, taking the clubhouse lead on 20 under par.
Rory McIlroy‘s par on the last ensured that there would be a play-off, and Horschel joined them after a brilliant approach set up a birdie. Lawrence would be eliminated on the first play-off hole, before Horschel then edged McIlroy after his long eagle putt dropped.
Billy Horschel shares what disappointed him after his BMW PGA Championship win
The 37-year-old has been in outstanding form for the last few weeks, having not finished outside the top 25 since missing the cut at the Scottish Open. So it was no surprise that Horschel was delighted after sealing his victory, but he did admit to Sky Sports (broadcast on 22/9; 17:43) that some of the feelings were slightly bittersweet.
“I mean, I’m thrilled, excited for the way I played and just battled out there today. At the same time, a little disappointed, Rory’s a really good friend of mine, I think the world of him,” he said.
“I think he’s a generational talent and I know how close he’s been this year, so I feel for him. But at the same time, I’m pretty excited for just being able to get it done today.”
Plenty of positives
There were plenty of positives for McIlroy to take from his performance at Wentworth. McIlroy is making small changes to his game right now, so the fact that he has been in contention in the last two tournaments on the DP World Tour is an incredibly encouraging sign.
Obviously, he will be disappointed that he has fallen agonisingly short at both the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship. But he deserves enormous credit for the way that he has bounced back from a difficult PGA Tour season.
And McIlroy’s supporters, which obviously include Horschel, will hope that the events of 2024 just help fuel the four-time major champion ahead of next year.
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