Billy Horschel, the leader of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, has had a career filled with contradictions and wild contrasts. Despite winning the Memorial Tournament in 2022, he also shot an opening-round 84 in 2023. His career includes eight victories on the PGA Tour and claiming the FedEx Cup in 2014, but his record in golf’s four biggest events has been ordinary. Horschel has only two top-10 finishes in 43 major championship starts and has missed 14 cuts.
Horschel acknowledges the importance of major championships in solidifying a player’s legacy in golf. He admits to struggling with perfectionism in his approach to major events, feeling that he needed to be flawless to have a chance at winning. Over the years, Horschel has made adjustments to his preparation for majors, focusing more on playing holes on the course rather than spending time on the range. The change in approach has helped him better understand where to miss and hone in on shots that matter most during competition.
One key aspect of playing well in a major tournament, especially on a links course like Royal Troon, is mastering the in-between shots that are played on the ground rather than in the air. Horschel has embraced the challenge of adjusting to different conditions and making sound judgments during competition. He also made equipment adjustments to suit the demands of the course, such as replacing his 5-wood with a 2-iron to hit low shots that run onto the greens effectively.
Horschel’s performance in the Open Championship has positioned him well heading into the final round, with a one-shot lead over a six-strong chasing pack that includes major champions Justin Rose and Xander Schauffele. Despite the pressure of leading a major championship, Horschel remains focused on embracing the moment and handling his emotions effectively. He is determined to secure a victory that would significantly impact his legacy in the game of golf, fulfilling his ambition of winning multiple major championships.
As Horschel prepares for the final round, he remains confident in his ability to handle the challenges that lie ahead. Whether he emerges victorious or not, he plans to continue working hard to achieve his goals in the sport, including being part of a victorious Ryder Cup team and winning more major championships. Horschel’s journey at the Open Championship exemplifies his determination to succeed and make a lasting impact on the game of golf.
