Horschel was thrilled to see McIlroy’s scalp back on stage
When the Irish Open returns to Royal County Down in September, it will bring back fond memories for Billy Horschel.
The American, who finished tied for second behind compatriot Xander Schauffele at last week’s British Open, has not returned to the legendary venue since the 2007 Walker Cup. At the time, Horschel, a 20-year-old, was part of the U.S. team that beat Great Britain and Ireland in the 41st edition of the biennial amateur competition.
The U.S. team included future major winners Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson, as well as future superstar Rickie Fowler, but Horschel played as well as anyone, contributing three points to the U.S. victory 12.5-11.5. Horschel notably had two wins over Rory McIlroy. The then 18-year-old McIlroy won the best amateur silver medal at the 2007 Carnoustie Open but lost to Horschel in foursomes and singles before the Northern Irishman exacted revenge in the final session. “Then I had the pleasure of meeting young Rory McIlroy. I’d say I came out a winner. I beat him two times and he beat me once. It was a great week,\” Horschel recalled during an Irish Open media day. “The Irish and Northern Irish fans are amazing. It’s great to be back.”
Legends Horschel and McIlroy faced off in last year’s Irish Open at the K Club.
Horschel, now an eight-time PGA Tour winner, considered McIlroy a “really talented player” in 2007 but admitted he wasn’t sure the Northern Irishman would have the kind of career that would bring him four major titles and several other accolades. \ “When we went there, we heard of him, but no one knew how good he was,” said Fedex champion of the 2014 Fedex Cup, who considers Macilero to consider the “greatest player of our generation”.
Horshel, who missed the Irish Open 2015 to Royal County Down, added: “When I played against, I saw a very good player, a really talented player. Especially for someone who is 18.
\”But you never know how someone will evolve. To see what he’s accomplished in golf, to see what he’s grown into as a person. It’s just incredible. “
\’
Just four days after his career-best finish at Royal Troon, Horschel was scheduled to return on Thursday at the PGA Tour’s 3M Open in Minnesota, but he withdrew due to illness. The 37-year-old held the 54-hole lead at the British Open but was powerless to stop Schauffele, who carded a 6-under 65 and added the Claret Jug to his PGA Championship victory in May.
Horschel said he was disappointed that some poor shots prevented him from putting more pressure on Schauffele but was proud of how he handled the pressure at a major. “I’m happy with how Sunday went. I wasn’t as worried as I thought I would be,” he added. \ “I felt very comfortable in this field at that moment. Unfortunately, I missed a short hit to 8 and made 10 bad swings. Other than that I played very well.
“I had to play great to catch Alex, but he played a great round of golf. “It’s disappointing, but it hurts a little bit when you have a chance to win a major tournament and don’t get the job done. But I can hold my head high because I know I didn’t lose the tournament. »
The 2024 Irish Open will be held from September 12-15 and will feature notable players such as McIlroy, Horschel and Shane Lowry, while Swede Vincent Norman is the reigning champion.
