Billy Horschel fired a final-round 67 and then edged Rory McIlroy (67) and Thriston Lawrence (65) in a playoff to claim victory at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship.
The Florida native finished birdie-birdie to join McIlroy and Lawrence at 20 under before the trio returned to the 18th hole for the playoff.
A bogey knocked Lawrence out first as McIlroy and Horschel both made testy birdies to force a second extra hole.
On the second go-round of 18 in overtime, McIlroy and Horschel each found the green in two. McIlroy went first and slightly missed his eagle effort.
Horschel, who was a picture of consistency at Wentworth all week, only needed one putt for a stunning eagle to win this Rolex Series event for the second time in three years.
“I mean, listen, my heart was pounding on the last couple shots, the last couple holes, and especially in the playoff but it’s always fun being in those situations,” said Horschel, who seemed almost apologetic to win in front of McIlroy’s home (UK) crowd.
“That’s what we work so hard for. That’s what I’ve worked so hard for, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to be, in situations like that, going against the best players in the world and hopefully be able to come out on top on the day.
“I was able to nip Rory and Thriston and come away with the victory.”
He added, “It’s always one of my most special weeks of the year. I enjoy coming here. I feel a sense of ease. I feel a sense of calm. I know I’m not from the U.K. or London or England, but I feel almost at home when I come here.
“I have a lot of friends that I’ve made over the years, Mark Noble, Declan Rice, Tripp Smith, a lot of people that I hang out with during the week, and I will say the crowds here make me feel like I’m one of their own, and I’m very appreciative of that.”
With the victory, Horschel secured €1,370,338.38 in prize money and moved to No. 3 in the Race to Dubai rankings. He will receive 35 OWGR points and is expected to move to around No. 16 (from 24) in the world rankings.
Aaron Rai (67), Matthew Baldwin (69) and Matteo Manassero (73) finished three back, tied for the fourth spot.
WITB: Billy Horschel
Billy Horschel played a full Titleist bag to win his second career BMW PGA Championship.
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2024 BMW PGA Championship
Final Top-10 Leaderboard
Pos-Player-Score (Final Rd)
1. Billy Horschel -20 (-5)
2. Rory McIlroy -20 (-5)
2. Thriston Lawrence -20 (-7)
4. Aaron Rai -17 (-5)
4. Matthew Baldwin -17 (-3)
4. Matteo Manassero -17 (+1)
7. Niklas NOrgaard -16 (-8)
7. Ugo Coussaud -16 (-7)
7. Antoine Rozner -16 (-3)
10. Marcus Armitage -13 (-3)
10. Tom McKibbin -13 (-6)
Material from the European Tour Communications was used to compile this report.
