Billy Horschel Wins BMW PGA Championship Again
Wentworth [Australia], September 24: American golfer Billy Horschel has won the BMW PGA Championship for the second time. He triumphed over Thriston Lawrence and Rory McIlroy in an exciting play-off at the Wentworth Club.
Consistent Performance
Horschel, who also won the championship in 2021, showed remarkable consistency by scoring four rounds in the 60s. He even achieved a career-best of seven straight birdies. His final round included a birdie-birdie finish, which brought him level with Lawrence and McIlroy at 20 under par.
Thrilling Play-Off
The play-off began with all three golfers returning to the 18th tee. Thriston Lawrence was the first to be eliminated after a wayward tee shot and hitting the fairway bunker and water. McIlroy and Horschel both made birdies to force a second extra hole. On the second extra hole, McIlroy narrowly missed an eagle, but Horschel made a stunning eagle putt to win the tournament.
Other Top Performers
English golfers Matthew Baldwin and Aaron Rai finished tied for third at 17 under par. Matteo Manassero, the 2013 BMW PGA Champion, also had an impressive week. French golfers Ugo Coussaud and Antoine Rozner, along with Dane Niklas Norgaard, were one shot further back.
Race to Dubai Rankings
Rory McIlroy remains in the lead in the Race to Dubai Rankings, with Lawrence and Horschel now his closest competitors for the season-long honors.
Player Reactions
Horschel expressed his excitement, saying, “My heart was pounding on the last couple shots, the last couple holes, and especially in the play-off but it’s always fun being in those situations. That’s what we work so hard for.” He added, “Feels amazing. I’m excited. I’m thrilled. I’m speechless. I can’t put into words what this moment means to me.”
McIlroy also shared his thoughts, “I mean, you know, last week was a tough one. This one — but I left there with my head held high with the way I played the last hole trying to make three, and then yeah, I mean, played the play-off holes perfectly, really, a couple of birdies.”
Doubts Revealed
Billy Horschel -: Billy Horschel is a professional golfer from the United States. He plays in big golf tournaments around the world.
BMW PGA Championship -: The BMW PGA Championship is a famous golf tournament held in England. It’s like a big competition where top golfers play to win a trophy.
Play-Off -: A play-off in golf is like an extra round to decide the winner when players have the same score. It’s like a tie-breaker in other sports.
Rory McIlroy -: Rory McIlroy is a very famous golfer from Northern Ireland. He has won many big golf tournaments.
Thriston Lawrence -: Thriston Lawrence is a professional golfer from South Africa. He competes in international golf tournaments.
Wentworth Club -: Wentworth Club is a famous golf course in England where many important golf tournaments are held.
Birdie -: A birdie in golf means completing a hole in one stroke less than the expected number of strokes. It’s a good score.
Eagle Putt -: An eagle putt in golf means completing a hole in two strokes less than the expected number of strokes. It’s an excellent score.
Race to Dubai Rankings -: The Race to Dubai Rankings is a list that shows how well golfers are doing in a series of tournaments. The best golfers get to play in a big final event in Dubai.
