Billy Horschel showed great focus when it mattered most and managed to defeat Rory McIlroy in the final round of the BMW PGA Championship. The American golfer secured his victory in the playoff, proving that this tournament brought him good fortune, and it’s clear he earned it with his performance.
Facing him was a well-known opponent: Rory McIlroy, who is currently experiencing some tough moments in his career. While finishing second in such a tournament is impressive, Rory’s talent means fans always expect the best from him. After similar experiences at the Irish Open and the US Open, he faced another disappointing outcome. Previously, it was Rasmus Hojgaard who defeated him, and this time it was his colleague and good friend, Billy Horschel.
During the press conference, 37-year-old Horschel was brutally honest, admitting he felt for Rory, who has really struggled with luck lately. At the same time, he expressed his excitement about his own success. Horschel pointed out that he and Rory have known each other for years, and it’s not easy to face him directly in such situations.
“I made the putt and I was excited but at the same time, I felt for him,” Horschel said, as quoted by MIRROR.
“Because he’s a friend of mine, I’ve known him since 2007 and I think the world of him and I think he’s the best player in our generation. I know he’s had somewhat of a tough back end of the year of not getting some victories when it looks like it’s going to be his.”
Horschel stressed that McIlroy is very skilled at ignoring outside distractions and criticism, especially when people point out his struggles to win certain events. Despite the pressure, McIlroy manages to focus on his game and not let those opinions affect him.
Rory McIlroy is likely the golfer under the most pressure in the sport. Since he first emerged on the big stage, he has often been compared to major stars like Tiger Woods, receiving various accolades. Initially, it seemed like the young Rory could handle the pressure, achieving success month after month.
Rory McIlroy© Ten Golf / Youtube Channel
However, in the last ten years, especially regarding major tournaments, he has faced a mental block. The expectations placed on him feel like a heavy burden. While McIlroy often encounters bad luck in these events, he has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of giving up on his goals. The 35-year-old golfer knows that if he allows himself to feel frustrated about his results, it could affect his performance in other tournaments, trapping him in a negative cycle, which he definitely wants to avoid.
Billy Horschel shared his sympathy for Rory McIlroy, recognizing that this loss contributes to the continuing story of Rory’s recent struggles. He stressed that Rory played incredibly well and was happy for Horschel’s victory. Horschel emphasized that their competition was simply two close friends fighting until the very end.
This isn’t the first time that two great friends have faced off in a tense situation, as they’ve had similar encounters before. As Billy mentioned, they share a strong friendship beyond the golf course, making it tough to compete against each other in such great tournaments. Horschel remained calm during the decisive moments of the match, allowing him to make smart moves and secure the win. Meanwhile, even though Rory tried to stay composed, it seemed like memories of previous tournaments where he stumbled at the last moment were weighing on his mind.
Rory McIlroy reacts
After a break following the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy returned as a completely different person. His usual positivity seemed even stronger. It’s clear he used the time off to reflect and realized he didn’t want to be his own biggest obstacle to success. The Northern Irishman also made some changes to his game and mindset, aiming to win a Major for the first time in a decade.
After the tournament, he spoke honestly about his performance, expressing happiness with the direction things are going. He acknowledged that he needed the rest and will be ready for the Dunhill in a few weeks. Rory isn’t angry with himself; instead, he views the experience as a valuable opportunity.
“Two weeks in a row, I’ve played well. Just not quite well enough. But you know, happy with where my game is and happy where it’s trending. I’ve got a week off here and then get back at it in the Dunhill in a couple of weeks.”-McIlroy said.
It will be interesting to follow his performances, especially since many have noticed a certain change in him. McIlroy wants to show that he will come back stronger after all the unpleasant experiences.