“He’s the best player in our generation” - Billy Horschel hits out at Rory McIlroy’s critics following 2024 BMW PGA Championship

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy lost to Billy Horschel of the US at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship on Sunday, September 22. This is the second time that Horschel has picked up this title, the first coming at Wentworth in 2021. Although excited for his own win in a three-way playoff between McIlroy, Thriston Lawrence, and himself, the 37-year-old spared a thought for his Northern Irish friend.

Horschel hit out at McIlroy's critics by commending his legacy. At a press conference, he restrained his celebration and dubbed the 35-year-old "the best player" of their generation.

"I made the putt and I was excited but at the same time, I felt for him (McIlroy). 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," Billy Horschel said (via The Mirror).

This is the third time this year that Rory McIlroy has lost a match in a close call. He failed to end his Major title drought at the 2024 US Open when he lost to Bryson DeChambeau. He suffered a similar fate at the recently concluded Irish Open where Rasmus Hojgaard snatched the victory in McIlroy's home country. The string of tragedies has continued at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship.

However, Billy Horschel placed a strong and gracious precedent by standing up for Rory McIlroy at Virginia Water. Speaking about the pressure on the World No. 3, the American added:

"He does such a good job of cancelling out the outward noise and some of the critics that criticise him at certain times for not winning certain events and getting it done."

Horschel continued:

"I just feel for him because this is just another one that adds into that narrative going forward. He was great. He was happy for me. Yeah, it was just two really good friends trying to battle it out at the end."

Billy Horschel won the 2024 BMW PGA Championship 20-under.

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"There was a lot of luck on my side" - Billy Horschel on winning the 2024 BMW PGA Championship

Billy Horschel (Source: Imagn)

Billy Horschel was tied with Rory McIlroy and South African golfer Thriston Lawrence at 20-under in the final round of the 2024 BMW PGA Championship. A bogey from Lawrence put him out of contention, leaving McIlroy and Horschel to fight it out on the second playoff hole.

Both the golfers then replayed the 18th hole. They prepared for an eagle. While McIlroy narrowly missed his shot, Horschel perfectly aced his putt, securing the win. Speaking about the win, he said (via BBC Sport):

"I'm thrilled and excited for the way I played. I needed a bit of luck. There was a lot of luck on my side to get this victory today."

The two golfers were seen hugging it out on the field.