Rory McIlroy started the season in a brilliant way, celebrating twice on the PGA Tour. Fans of this sport believe that the Northern Irish golfer will dominate this year on the most prestigious Tour. The last tournament in which the 35-year-old won against Spaun showed that Rory is now much stronger and more resilient mentally.
Billy Horschel, his colleague, spoke about McIlroy during a press conference, referring to his interview after the Players Championship. Horschel admits that the Northern Irishman’s statements encouraged him to think a little deeper, and to understand the importance of positive self-talk.
Billy stresses that although there is a generally accepted opinion that famous athletes do not have negative thoughts on golf courses, Rory’s statements indicate that this is not true.
“It was funny listening to Rory’s interview after the Players Championship, talking about walking to 17 in the playoff and he saw himself hitting it in the water, and he’s like, ‘I had to get back and I had to do a really good job of self positive talk and seeing the quality golf shot I want to hit’. And it’s funny, obviously, I had my coaches and I had my sports psychologist and we’ve talked about this, but it’s funny how just hearing other guys’ talk and the way, hearing that quote from Rory, sort of just say, ‘hey, I need to do a better job’. I know we all are in the same boat, we all think the same way, sometimes we think other guys are superhuman and don’t have these bad thoughts, but they do. And it sort of just reset me, I need to go out there and commit to every shot because that’s what’s holding me back.”- Horschel said, as quoted by The Golfing Gazette.
Billy Horschel’s goals
The 38-year-old American is also in good shape, and it seems that he is very focused on career advancement. Billy finished as T4 at the Valspar Championship, and wants to transfer his good form to the next tournaments.
Last year was also good for him, and it seems that the experienced golfer could take another step forward in 2025.
Tennis World USA