+++ Billy Horschel (USA) defeats Rory McIlroy (NIR) and Thriston Lawrence (RSA) in a play-off after a memorable final round +++ 2021 champion adds second title at the DP World Tour’s flagship event +++ Eagles for Education: £89,000 for the Golf Foundation +++ Crowd record: 114,285 fans celebrate “Festival of Golf” at the Wentworth Club +++
London. Billy Horschel has won the BMW PGA Championship for the second time, having previously done so in 2021, with rounds of 67, 69, 65 and 67 and a total score of 20 under par (268 shots). The 37-year-old defeated Rory McIlroy and Thirston Lawrence in a thrilling play-off. For 2023 BMW International Open winner Lawrence, the dream of the BMW Double came to an end with a bogey on the first play-off hole. McIlroy and Horschel both carded birdies and returned to the 18th tee for the third time on Sunday. It was ultimately the American who crowned a spectacular tournament week, played out in front of a record crowd of 114,285, with an eagle. McIlroy’s putt for eagle had previously slipped just past the right edge of the hole.
“On behalf of BMW, I would like to congratulate Billy Horschel on winning the 20th BMW PGA Championship, overcoming a world-class field on a challenging golf course,” said David George, CEO at BMW Group UK and Ireland. “BMW is honoured to have celebrated 20 years of being the Festival of Golf’s title partner. There is always such a great and electrifying atmosphere here, you can really sense everyone’s passion for the BMW PGA Championship and the game of golf. Another very important aspect of the event goes beyond the sport and the experience on site – its deeply rooted connection to charity. This year, the BMW PGA Championship supports Campaign Against Living Miserably, and the BMW Group ‘Eagles for Education’ campaign benefits the Golf Foundation.”
Horschel’s winning eagle was the 89th of the tournament week. The BMW Group is donating £1,000 for each of them to the Golf Foundation. The charity is committed to making golf more accessible for all children and young people in Great Britain, particularly those from disadvantaged regions and underprivileged families, and to use the sport for personal development. “Eagles for Education” was launched at the 2023 BMW International Open in Munich, supports educational programmes and works for equal opportunity. After the BMW Golf Cup World Final in spring of 2024, the BMW PGA Championship is now the third tournament in the BMW Group’s commitment to international golf, at which “Eagles for Education” supports this kind of programme.
Horschel was able to rely on his putter not just in the play-off, but all weekend, (12 under for rounds three and four) – and on his nerves of steel. The 2014 FedExCup champion paved the way to the play-off with back-to-back birdies on the closing two holes, playing brilliant golf on his way to a third win on the DP World Tour and the third BMW title of his career – Horschel also won the BMW Championship on the PGA TOUR in 2014.
“It still hasn’t sunk, but it was a fabulous week and a fabulous four days of golf. My heart was pounding on the last couple holes, and especially in the playoff – but it’s always fun being in those situations,” said Horschel. “The BMW PGA Championship is always one of my most special weeks of the year. I enjoy coming here. I know I’m not from the UK or London or England, but I feel almost at home. The support that I receive when I come over here is really second-to-none.”
Fourth place was shared by Englishmen Aaron Rai and Matthew Baldwin, as well as Matteo Manassero (all -18). The Italian began the final day with a three-shot lead over Horschel and McIlroy, following an outstanding round of 63 on Saturday. However, he was unable to maintain that form and challenge for the win. Despite that, the 2013 BMW PGA Champion, still the youngest winner on the DP World Tour (17 years and 188 days, Castelló Masters 2010), has definitely played his way back to the top echelons of the game after several barren years (number 1,805 in the world in 2019).
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring: electric power consumption combined: 20.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO2 classes: A