Home » News » 2024 BMW PGA Championship: Billy Horschel Defeats Rory McIlroy to win the trophy

2024 BMW PGA Championship: Billy Horschel Defeats Rory McIlroy to win the trophy

Billy Horschel (Image Source: IMAGO)

The BMW PGA Championship has finally concluded. Once again, two weeks in a row, Rory McIlroy ended up missing the trophy with a difference as close to as one stroke. Billy Horschel won the trophy in the 2024 edition after beating the World No. 3 and Thriston Lawrence in a three-man playoff on Sunday. After clinching the victory at Wentworth, he will be taking home a whopping $1.53 million. 

The three-man playoff was initiated as the three of the professionals finished the final round with a 20-under overall. This was the first time this had happened in the first playoff in the event in 11 years. After the first playoff came to an end, it was just McIlroy and Billy Horschel. Thriston Lawrence bogeyed the 18th hole after the water obstacle, which left the remaining two to fight out the ultimate battle for the trophy.

After the heartbreak at the Amgen Irish Open, he was hoping to break his winless drought since May at the Wells Fargo Championship. However, as the duo reached the 18th hole, Billy Horschel went ahead and carded an exceptional ace. He was crowned to become the first American to win the Championship twice. McIlroy and Billy Horschel are great friends, so winning the trophy was like a mixed reaction for him.

“I feel for him, but I am also excited … There was a lot of luck on my side to get this victory today. I will give my all on every shot and grind it out and that is what I did today. That is what you have to do when you are not firing on all cylinders,” said the recently crowned winner. What are your thoughts of Rory McIlroy losing even after coming this close? Let us know in the comments section below!