Billy Horschel shows true colours at PGA Tour event after Open near miss

American golfer Billy Horschel, following his impressive performance at the 2024 Open Championship, was the first player on the range ahead of the 3M Open this week. This comes despite a grueling week in Scotland, where, for the first time in his career, Horschel held the 54-hole lead in a major championship.

On a challenging Saturday at Royal Troon, Horschel managed a 2-under 69 in windy and rain-lashed conditions. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough, as Xander Schauffele outplayed him. Given the physically and emotionally draining week, many wouldn’t have been surprised if Horschel decided to skip this week’s PGA Tour event at TPC Twin Cities. However, Horschel returned to the US on Monday and promptly arrived at the course.

Charlie Kane from the Tour’s social media team captured Horschel putting in work alongside his caddie Micah Fugitt. During his pre-tournament press conference, Horschel clarified that the perception of him being the only player out early was due to travel issues others faced coming from Reno. “I think with all the flight issues and travel issues people had coming from Reno, it made it look like I was the only guy out there first thing in the morning,” he explained.

When asked if he had considered withdrawing, Horschel responded: “Withdrawing? No. When I commit to something I try to hold to that commitment unless crazy circumstances arise. When you’re playing well, you want to continue to play well. Yes, I’m coming halfway around the world, six different time zones, different grasses and everything, but confidence-wise I want to continue to build on that confidence, I want to continue to put myself back in that chance of winning.”

Despite his disappointment at not clinching the title, Horschel remained determined. He posted a video on his X page, thanking supporters and vowing to work harder. “A long flight from Scotland, had a lot of time to think about yesterday, to read all the support … thank you guys for all your support,” he said. “It was a fun week. But for me, disappointed, I think it hit me on the plane how close I was to winning a major, the opportunity I had, but we get back on the horse. We’ll play well this week, we’ll work hard to get better so the next time I have an opportunity to win a major, hopefully, we can capitalize on it and be the one holding the trophy at the end.”

When a critic on social media questioned his authenticity, Horschel responded assertively: “One thing I willing to bet you won’t hear is that I’m fake or not authentic.”