Billy Horschel Triumphs at BMW PGA, Edges Out Rory McIlroy Once Again!

Billy Horschel retained the BMW PGA Championship title to write a new chapter to the success story of the prestigious DP World Tour event. In a dramatic final day, Horschel beat Rory McIlroy in a playoff, marking McIlroy’s fourth runner-up result this season.

Billy Horschel Clinches Playoff Victory

Billy Horschel made it silly. Horschel made a remarkable score from 35- feet during the second playoff hole. Horschel’s closing round of 67 was sufficient to get him through to a three-way playoff with both McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence, who all finished on 20 under par. After coming close to an eagle on the first extra hole, McIlroy was matched to a good performance by Horschel on the two playoff holes, which he won.

“I’m thrilled with the way I played today,” Billy Horschel said after the victory. “But at the same time, I feel for Rory. He’s a really good friend, and I know how close he’s been this year. It’s tough to see him fall short again.”

McIlroy’s Frustrating Finish

Rory McIlroy, who has played exceptionally well this season with two victories under his belt, was left wanting a win again. He made a spectacular eagle on the par-5 17th hole, which put him in the lead with Lawrence, but he failed to make it the third time lucky through the playoff. “Last week was tough, and this one stings too,” McIlroy reflected. “But I’m happy with how I played, even though I came up short.”

McIlroy shot a 67 in the final round, matching Horschel, but couldn’t convert his eagle attempt in the playoff. Despite the setback, McIlroy remains optimistic about his game. “Two weeks in a row, I’ve played well. Just not quite well enough. But I’m happy with where my game is and where it’s trending,” he said, looking ahead to his upcoming break before the Alfred Dunhill Links.

Billy Horschel’s European Success

Horschel, who also won the BMW PGA Championship in 2021, feels a special connection to the tournament and the UK. “It’s always one of my most special weeks of the year,” Horschel said. “I feel at home here, even though I’m not from the UK. There’s a sense of calm and ease every time I come to Wentworth.”

McIlroy will return to Northern Ireland for some respite, while Horschel will relish another victory in one of Europe’s premier tournaments. Thus, both contenders still stay within the framework of the DP World Tour season. At the same time, Billy Horschel enjoys the joy of victory, but McIlroy thinks only about the next opportunity to triumph.