Billy Horschel sorry for ‘generational talent’ Rory McIlroy after Wentworth win

Billy Horschel sympathized with Rory McIlroy after handing him another heartbreaking defeat at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Horschel secured his second victory in four years at the DP World Tour’s flagship event by eagling the second play-off hole. He, McIlroy, and South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence had finished tied at 20 under par.

Lawrence was knocked out on the first extra hole after his third shot spun back into the water, while McIlroy and Horschel both made birdie. On the second play-off hole, both found the green in two, but McIlroy narrowly missed his eagle attempt from 30 feet, allowing Horschel to sink his from slightly closer for the win.

McIlroy, reflecting on his close call, labeled himself a “nearly man” after a string of near-misses, including a fifth-place finish at the Olympics in Paris, where a shot into the water cost him a medal. He also bogeyed three of the last four holes at the US Open in June, missing out on his first major title since 2014. Just last week, McIlroy came agonizingly close to forcing a play-off in the Irish Open but faltered with a three-putt on the 17th.

“Last week was tough, but I was proud of how I played the final hole,” McIlroy said after his closing 67 at Wentworth. “Today, I played the play-off holes well, but the standard out here is so high. If you slip up or miss a birdie on a key hole, someone will take advantage. I’ve played great golf for two weeks in a row, just not quite enough to win.”

McIlroy remains optimistic despite his recent setbacks, noting, “If someone had told me I’d shoot 20 under par at Wentworth, I’d have taken it. I’ll keep showing up and playing the way I have, and eventually, it’ll result in a win. This is just one year in what I hope is a 30-year career, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”

Horschel’s path to victory seemed unlikely after a bogey on the 15th, but he rallied with birdies on the 17th and 18th to finish with a 67 and force his way into the play-off.

“My heart was pounding on the last couple of holes and in the play-off, but these are the moments I’ve worked for,” Horschel said. “Going up against the best players in the world, I was fortunate to edge out Rory and Thriston.”

Despite his triumph, Horschel expressed empathy for McIlroy, who he considers a good friend and a “generational talent.” He added, “I know how close Rory has been all year, so I feel for him, but I’m thrilled to have pulled it off today.”

Lawrence had looked poised to claim the title after chipping in for birdies on the first and second holes, followed by another on the 16th. However, conservative play over the final two holes ultimately cost him. Italy’s Matteo Manassero, who led by three shots going into the final round, faltered with a 73, finishing tied for fourth alongside England’s Matt Baldwin and Aaron Rai, whose title hopes sank when his approach shot at the 18th found the water.