Billy Horschel made history in England on Sunday.
The Ponte Vedra Beach, Grants, native and University of Florida graduate won one of the DP World Tour’s biggest events for the second time in four years, holed a 25-foot eagle putt on the second playoff hole at the Wentworth Course in Virginia Waters, Surrey, to defeat Rory McIlroy and capture the BMW PGA Championship.
Horschel became the first American to win the BMW Championship twice, having previously won the event in 2021.
Horschel shot 60 or better in all four rounds and made seven straight birdies in the third round for a 65. He birdied the final round of regulation and qualified for the playoff with a 67. McIlroy could have won with a birdie, but he hit his second shot into the water and made par.
Thriston Lawrence also made the playoff but bogeyed the first hole of sudden death.
Horschel and McIlroy both birdied the first playoff hole. They played the 18th hole again, both trying for eagle. McIlroy's putt went slightly to the right. Horschel's hit the back of the hole.
McIlroy had a chance to win in regulation, but his birdie attempt went off target. Horschel and McIlroy both birdied the first playoff hole, but Horschel ultimately won, adding another what-if to McIlroy's 2024 season.
How big of a tournament is the BMW Championship?
The DP World Tour has a long history. It started in 1955 and for many years, until the Race to Dubai, it was the highest purse in Europe.
Arnold Palmer became the first American to win in 1975. 46 years later, Horschel became the second American to win.
Nick Faldo has won four times, and Colin Montgomerie has won three consecutive times. Other World Golf Hall of Fame inductees include Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer.
What did Billy Horschel get when he won the BMW?
Horschel earned $1.53 million for the win, for a total of $9 million.
He also earned berths in the next three years of the British Open and the 2025 U.S. Open.
