Billy Horschel makes his feelings perfectly clear to LIV Golf

Billy Horschel Aims for Strong Finish in Dubai, Declares DP World Tour as World’s Second-Best Circuit

This week, American golfer Billy Horschel is competing in the DP World Tour’s season finale on Dubai’s Earth Course, where he hopes to close his 2023 season on a high note. Horschel has made waves by naming the DP World Tour as the world’s second-best golf circuit, placing it above LIV Golf and just behind the PGA Tour, in his personal ranking.

Ranked 12th in the Race to Dubai standings, Horschel has had a successful stretch in Europe. He notably claimed his second BMW PGA Championship title in a memorable playoff against Rory McIlroy at Wentworth, showcasing his competitive edge. As a committed supporter of the European Tour, Horschel openly expressed his respect and admiration for the DP World Tour, praising both its players and the quality of competition.

“I support this tour. I love this tour. I think the world of this tour,” Horschel said ahead of the Dubai event. “But at the same time, I don’t support this tour 20-plus events out of the year. Obviously, the PGA Tour is where I play mostly, but I want to make sure that these guys understand how special this tour is, how special I think it is, and what I think of them as golfers. They’re really great players out here, and quality- and talent-wise, I think it’s the second-best tour in the world.”

Horschel added that his admiration for DP World Tour players has only grown as he’s competed alongside them. “The more I come over here, the more I’m impressed by the way these guys play. When you see it in person, you get a better perspective of the players,” he remarked.

Horschel’s high regard for the DP World Tour contrasts with opinions voiced by some players who have since joined LIV Golf. Thomas Pieters, a six-time DP World Tour champion now competing in LIV, offered a different perspective, saying, “Coming from the DP World Tour, the standard of golf is ten times better than what I used to play.” He further commented on LIV Golf’s competitiveness, explaining, “You can’t hide out here… if you’re average or have a bad week, you’re going to finish last or in the last five, which sucks, but that’s just the way it is. LIV is getting very strong.”

Despite these contrasting views, Horschel credits the DP World Tour for positively shaping both his golfing skills and personal character. Reflecting on how competing in Europe has challenged him, he said, “Oh, by far a better golfer,” while noting the benefits of exposure to the diverse conditions of tournaments like The Open Championship and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. These experiences, he believes, have not only strengthened his game but enriched his personal growth.

“I’ve become a lot better of a person, I guarantee you that,” he added, explaining how learning to interact across cultural and language barriers has expanded his perspective. “Trying to communicate with people that may not speak English as well, or I may not speak their language as well – it’s made me a better person all around, as well as in my golf game.”

As Horschel looks to finish the season strong in Dubai, his journey on the DP World Tour has clearly left a lasting impact, reflecting his respect for both the sport and the camaraderie he’s found in his European competitors.