“An apology is due”; “Never heard such an insensitive comment” – Fans outraged by presenter’s ‘revolting’ comment on Billy Horschel’s wife at The Open

During the third round of the Open, Sky Sports broadcasters made some remarks about Billy Horschel's wife, Brittany, and her battle with alcoholism. However, this didn't sit well with fans online, who felt it was uncalled for.

On Saturday, July 20, Horschel fired a 2-under 69 in the third round of the Open Championship to aggregate at 4-under and take the 54-hole lead. He made four birdies and two bogeys on Day 3 at Royal Troon.

During the third round, Sky Sports gave a bit of background on Horschel. While doing so, they brought up his wife Brittany and her struggle with alcohol. Fans on X felt it was unnecessary to bring up his wife's past issues during the broadcast.

Here's a look at some of the reactions:

"May I ask @SkySportsGolf to tell us what Billy Horschel’s wife’s battle with alcoholism had to do with his leading at The Open ? An apology is due," one fan wrote.

"@SarahSkySports I’ve never heard such an insensitive comment about how Horschel had to “deal” with his wife’s alcoholism. Surely you meant to say he “supported”her over the years as it was her battle!" another fan posted.

"Wtf was that from @SkySportsGolf bringing up Billy Horschel's wife’s past problems then ended it with just goes to prove what billy has had to deal with in his career. Absolutely terrible," this fan commented.

"How f****ng revolting of to start off talking about Billy Horschel by going on about his wife’s past alcohol issues like that. Absolutely no need for that at all. Classless.," another user remarked.

"Sky TV making an issue out of Billy Horschel's wife is dreadfully crass," another fan posted.

"I don’t see the relevance in bringing up Billy Horschel’s wife’s battle with alcohol and its relevance to him leading @TheOpen . Irrelevant and tasteless," this fan opined.

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"I get emotional every time I talk about it" - When Billy Horschel spoke about his wife's battle with alcoholism

Horschel's wife Brittany announced in 2017 that she was struggling with alcoholism. A few years later, Horschel opened up about the whole journey during the Sky Sports Golf podcast.

"It's tough, I mean I get emotional every time I talk about it," he was quoted as saying by the Express. "It was something that my wife was dealing with for a lot longer than I realised.

"She's done so well and is four years sober now. The saying goes one day at a time and she takes it that way. She has learned how to manage her anxiety, her stress levels, has dealt with depression"

He also added that she has been a great advocate for dealing with addiction. Horschel met Brittany at the University of Florida, where both of them were golfers. The couple got married in 2010 and have three children.