US golfer Billy Horschel won his second BMW PGA Championship title at the Wentworth Club last Sunday. He beat Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence in a three-way play-off, 17-under.
After Lawrence bowed out, McIlroy and Horschel replayed the 18th hole. Both the golfers prepared for an eagle—while the Northern Irishman narrowly missed carding an eagle, Billy Horschel aced his with a putt, winning the 2024 BMW PGA Championship.
An adorable video was posted of Horschel's family celebrating his victory from their home. The members had gathered in the living room and cheered excitedly after the 37-year-old holed in his putt.
Billy Horschel himself was excited about winning the tournament. He said in the winner's press conference:
"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,"
Horschel's win marked the second time when he lifted the BMW PGA Championship trophy. He had previously won the event back in 2021.
"He does such a good job of canceling out the outward noise," - Billy Horschel defends Rory McIlroy
2024 has been a year of heartbreaks for Rory McIlroy, as the Northern Irish icon lost a handful of tournaments in a close call.
At the 2024 US Open, he was very close to ending his major championship drought but ended up losing to Bryson DeChambeau. Another victory slipped out of his hands at the Irish Open, where Rasmus Hojgaard secured the win. The world no. 3 faced the same fate at the BMW PGA Championship as well, where his buddy Billy Horschel took home the win.
At a press conference, Horschel addressed how the win was bittersweet. He stood up for McIlroy and defended him against his critics. The newly crowned champion also reminded people of McIlroy's legacy in the sport.
"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,"
Rory McIlroy's tragic saga has earned him a fair share of critics. However, according to Billy Horschel, the 5-time major champion does a "good job" at keeping those negative comments at bay.
"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,"
He further added what McIlroy's reaction to his win was.
"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,"
The two golfers were spotted hugging it out on the field.