Billy Horschel predicts big things for Rory McIlroy for 2025

The American Billy Horschel, recent winner of the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth (England), thinks that after a season where he came close to victory several times, Rory McIlroy will experience great success next season.

It was less than two weeks ago, Billy Horschel made its law in the play-offs during the BMW PGA Championship at the expense of the South African Thriston Lawrence and Northern Irish Rory McIlroy. It was on an eagle putt that the 37-year-old golfer made the difference during the second sudden death hole. This title was his eleventh of his career, the second in this event after that of 2021. The American found himself in this play-off after his two direct opponents missed the birdie on the par 5 of the 18th.

« I was more nervous about playing my put in on the last hole knowing I needed a good shot than during the play-offremembered Billy Horschel as a preamble to theAlfred Dunhill Links Championship. Then, during the play-off, I told myself that I shouldn’t have been there. Thriston Lawrence, who failed to birdie the final two holes, also had to wonder how Rory hadn’t birdied the 18th while he was in the middle of the fairway. »

Mentally strong

Thanks to this title, the fan of West Ham United rose to 17th in the world, one place shy of his best ranking in two years. For Rory McIlroyit was the second time in a row that he finished second after theAmgen Irish Open the previous week. The Briton had obtained two other second places during this season,US Open and at Dubai Invitational.

« Looking to the future, I believe something big is going to happen to Roryimagine Horschel. The way Rory handled this year, without breaking down despite all his misadventures, makes me think that the next season will be full of success. That’s why I think next year could be a really incredible year for him. »

A deserved green jacket

In his quest for the Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy has so far failed to put on the green jacket that is missing from its potential magical quartet. Billy Horschel believes McIlroy’s career deserves it.

« I hope Rory wins the Masterswishes whoever will participate in the FedEx Open de France (October 10-13). In a way, no one deserves anything in this game, but if you look at what Rory has done in golf, he deserves to make the Grand Slam. Of course, the same could be said ofArnold Palmerof Tom Watson and of Phil Mickelsonbut I think it would be great to see someone like Rory achieve this feat. I saw Tiger (Woods) to take such a step, but to see someone I know as well and admire as much as Rory, it would be incredible. »

There aren’t many people in the golf world better than Rory

Beyond the respect between colleagues, the two men are also friends according to Horschel. And despite certain differences on the future of golf, the American greatly appreciated the change of position of the man with 40 professional victories.

« Rory and I are very good friends, he has sent me good messages in the past and I have done the same, so we are good friends. The good thing about Rory is that he has always been very honest with everyone. He tells it like he sees it and even though he’s changed his mind about what’s going on in men’s golf as a whole, I don’t blame him. So I found myself applauding him for changing his mind and listening. There aren’t many people in the golf world who are better than Rory. »

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