Rory McIlroy proves Billy Horschel could be on to something after £2.9m payday
Rory McIlroy proves Billy Horschel could be on to something after £2.9m payday
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Rory McIlroy's recent victory at Pebble Beach has proven Billy Horschel's forecast spot on - as the golfing ace kicked off the new season with a win. Despite bagging five tournament victories last year, including two PGA Tour wins, McIlroy experienced another major-less season, narrowly missing out on both the US Open and the Dubai Invitational early in the year. The frustration of his now 11-year major title drought seemed to fuel him. Last week, he secured a two-shot win at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, opening the season with a bang. This victory, his 27th on the prestigious tour, was anticipated by Horschel, who opined that McIlroy's close calls in 2024 would only spur him on to claim more trophies.
Last October, Horschel, who edged out McIlroy in the previous season's BMW PGA Championship playoff, said: "Looking ahead, I do believe something great is going to happen to Rory," reports the Irish Star. "The way Rory's handled this year and for not cracking following those [near misses] like Bryson [DeChambeau], who got in his way at the US Open, and then what unfolded for him at the Irish Open and then the week later at Wentworth.
"It's why I feel next year could be a really incredible year for Rory." With the Masters' Green Jacket being the only major accolade missing from the Northern Irishman's collection, Horschel remains hopeful that McIlroy will finally clinch the coveted Masters title to complete his grand slam. "I hope so, for Rory's sake," Horschel added. "I know too well no one deserves anything in this game and you must deserve it but you look at what Rory has done in the game of golf, he deserves to win golf's Grand Slam.
"Of course, you could say the same about Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and the likes of Phil Mickelson, I just feel that it would be great to see someone like Rory achieve the feat. I've seen Tiger [Woods] achieve such a milestone, but then to have someone that I know as well and as admire like Rory would be unbelievable.". Reflecting on a year of ups and downs, the four-time major winner shared his inner conflict over his performance. "It's hard because on one hand, I sit here and I'm proud of what I've done this year, but then on the other hand I sit here and I am disappointed because of the ones I've let get away," he confessed.
