‘Rory Is The Best Player Of My/Our Generation’ – Billy Horschel

Billy Horschel has openly praised Rory McIlroy, a four-time Major winner, calling him the best golfer of their generation. Horschel, who triumphed over McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship, holds a deep admiration for the Northern Irishman, despite his victory. Their long-standing rivalry came to a head in September at the DP World Tour’s flagship event, where Horschel beat McIlroy in a playoff. Nevertheless, Horschel insists that McIlroy is unmatched among contemporary golfers.

In an exclusive interview with Golf Monthly, Horschel reflected on McIlroy’s extraordinary talent. “Rory is the best player of my/our generation. Absolutely no question about that in my mind. Beating him means you’ve beaten the best of the best,” Horschel stated. Their rivalry stretches back to 2007, when they played on opposite sides at the Walker Cup, an event Horschel fondly remembers as fiercely competitive.

Despite their rivalry, Horschel revealed that there is a deep friendship between the two. “We’ve been beating each other’s brains out since we were on opposite sides at the 2007 Walker Cup. And man, was that a hot event by the way! Anyway, over the years we’ve built up a lasting friendship, and a mutual respect.” Their bond, developed over years of competition, is one of mutual appreciation, according to Horschel.

While McIlroy has had an impressive season in 2024, it has also been a series of near-misses for him. In addition to his loss to Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship, McIlroy was the runner-up at the US Open, where he was edged out by Bryson DeChambeau. He also suffered a narrow defeat to Rasmus Hojgaard at the Irish Open. Horschel acknowledged that McIlroy’s second-place finishes must have been painful, particularly when he was beaten by Horschel’s eagle putt at Wentworth, just after McIlroy’s own eagle attempt narrowly missed.

“I knew how much getting edged at the US and the Irish this year hurt him,” Horschel said. “So I could appreciate how he must have felt when my eagle putt went in, just after his own eagle try burned the hole. But the way he looked at me and gave me a little smile, and then congratulated me later, meant so much to me. I think that just showed he is one of the classiest golfers of this generation, as well as the most talented.”

Horschel, who regularly visits the UK to compete, expressed his appreciation for the warmth and support he has received from fans in the region. “Since I started coming over to the UK regularly, the people here have taken me under their wings and called me their own. I truly appreciate that because I love coming over here. I seem to have an affinity with the crowds and I love the courses,” he said.

He also spoke of his fondness for the British sense of humor, which he described as occasionally sarcastic but never hurtful. Horschel went on to mention his desire to possibly follow McIlroy’s example and establish a home in the UK in the future. “I’ve talked about following Rory’s example and buying or building a home here. And when my kids are old enough to have finished school that is a very real option. It would also give me a chance to go and see my favorite football team, West Ham, more often.”

In addition to enjoying the atmosphere in the UK, Horschel believes that playing on British courses has helped improve his game, particularly in challenging weather conditions. “I think playing a good amount of golf in Great Britain has definitely made me a much better bad-weather golfer,” he explained. “In the States, when the weather is bad we’re usually talking about lightning, so we can’t play. But you rarely get lightning in the UK, so you have to play on in the rain, the wind, and the cold. And it definitely toughens you up.”

Ultimately, Horschel feels lucky to be welcomed so warmly by British fans. “The bottom line is that I know that I’m very fortunate to be treated by most people here like one of their own.”

Through his victories, friendships, and experiences in the UK, Horschel has grown as both a competitor and a person, while continuing to admire and respect his long-time rival, Rory McIlroy.