Jim Furyk shows class with Billy Horschel Presidents Cup rejection call

Billy Horschel has openly addressed his disappointment over not being selected by Jim Furyk as one of the six captain’s picks for the 2024 Presidents Cup. Despite their close relationship, Horschel was informed by Furyk that he would not be joining Team USA in their battle against the International Team at The Royal Montreal Golf Club from September 24 to 29. Instead, Furyk opted for players such as Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Brian Harman, Russell Henley, and Max Homa.

“Jim gave me a call yesterday morning. I’m not getting picked,” Horschel revealed when asked about his chances of making the team. Despite his disappointment, Horschel spoke highly of Furyk, whom he considers a mentor and role model. He credited Furyk with having a significant influence not only on his career but also on his family’s involvement with local charities in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

“We’re big fans of the Furyk family,” Horschel continued. “Jim told me I played hard, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I didn’t expect to make this team—I knew I was way down the list, but I made a little push at the end.”

Horschel admitted that missing out on this year’s Presidents Cup stings, especially given his close friendship with Furyk. He had hoped to make the Ryder Cup team in 2018 and was equally eager to join this year’s Presidents Cup team under Furyk’s leadership. “It hurts because Jim’s a good friend. I wanted to make this team because he is the captain, but it’s just not in the cards for me this year. I’ll play really hard next year to hopefully make the team.”

Horschel’s season on the PGA Tour has been impressive, with 17 cuts made in 23 events and seven top-10 finishes. He also secured a win at the Corales Puntacana Championship in April, adding $720,000 to his earnings and bringing his career prize money to $40,219,937.

While Horschel was left off the roster, the U.S. team boasts top talents like FedEx Cup Champion Scottie Scheffler, who clinched his spot after winning the Tour Championship. Scheffler, currently the world’s number one player, will join forces with other golf stars such as Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, and Sahith Theegala.

Horschel isn’t the only notable player missing from this year’s lineup—Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Thomas were also left out, with Thomas missing the team for the first time in eight years.

The Presidents Cup, a biennial golf tournament, pits Team USA against a team of international players, excluding Europeans who compete in the Ryder Cup. Since its inception in 1994, the U.S. has largely dominated the event, winning all but two competitions—a draw in 2003 and a loss in 1998.