Billy Horschel Secures Second BMW PGA Championship Title

VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) — American golfer Billy Horschel made history on Sunday by winning the BMW PGA Championship for the second time, becoming the first American to achieve this feat. The victory came after a dramatic playoff against Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. Horschel managed to sink a long eagle putt on the second playoff hole to clinch the title, following a warm embrace with McIlroy.

“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,” said the 37-year-old Horschel. “I know I’m not from the U.K. or London or England but I feel almost at home when I come here.” Having previously won at Virginia Water three years prior, Horschel shared second place overnight with McIlroy, trailing behind Italy‘s Matteo Manassero by three strokes.

As the final round unfolded, it was South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence who shot an impressive 65 to finish at 20 under, forcing a three-way playoff with Horschel and McIlroy after both carded 5-under 67s. However, Lawrence dropped out of contention after bogeying during the first playoff hole. McIlroy and Horschel each managed birdies, but McIlroy ultimately fell short on the subsequent hole.

Speaking on the competition, McIlroy remarked on the high standards in the field: “It just shows the standard out here. If you slip up just a little bit or don’t make a birdie on a crucial hole, someone is always waiting to take advantage of that.” McIlroy, who previously won the event in 2014, has now finished as runner-up three times at Wentworth.

Matteo Manassero’s chances of victory slipped away as he finished with a 1-over 73, leaving him tied for fourth with English golfers Matthew Baldwin and Aaron Rai at 17 under. A win would have brought Manassero closer to qualifying for the next Ryder Cup and securing one of the coveted PGA Tour cards from the European tour.

Horschel described the immense pressure during the play-offs, stating, “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.” He expressed admiration for McIlroy, commending his contribution to the sport and his massive global support, challenging only Tiger Woods in popularity.

Elsewhere, Antoine Rozner, Ugo Coussaud, and Niklas Norgaard achieved top-10 finishes, with Matt Wallace making headlines for a joint-low round of the day at 64. As the tournament wraps up, Sky Sports continues to innovate, offering diverse viewing options through its recently integrated Sky Sports+ service.