Despite Rory McIlroy and Fellow European Stars Perking Up the $9M Stage, 7X PGA Tour Champion Bemoans Plummeting Interest in Event

A prominent golfer, having previously clinched the title at the BMW PGA Championship in 2021, is getting back on the course and expressed his disappointment over many of his American fellow players opting out of this event. Despite the championship’s rich history and the significant presence of big names from the European Ryder Cup team this year, there’s a noticeable absence of American golfers.

This PGA Star is set to participate in the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship starting on September 14 at the iconic Wentworth Club, West Course, Surrey, often referred to as the “Burma Road.” Let’s delve into his disappointment.

Call for a broader participation from fellow players

7x PGA Tour Champion Billy Horschel’s past performance at DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship is commendable. The 2021 champion consistently ranks in the top 10 and boasts a 47-under-par across 11 rounds he’s played here. It may be noted that last year’s event had only three rounds due to Queen Elizabeth’s passing. His average score hovers a little south of 68.

Talking about this place, Billy mentioned: “I do have something of a love affair with this tournament,”  his intense gaze momentarily changed to a smile as he practiced his mid-iron shots. “This is only my fourth time actually playing here at Wentworth, but it feels like I’ve been coming to the BMW PGA Championship for a lot longer than that. I grew up watching this event from afar on television and always wanted to be a part of it.” He further added, “Only this morning I told someone if I could play this tournament 25 times a year, I’d be a very happy man.”

Horschel continued, “I’m disappointed that more of my compatriots have not come,” talking about the participation from fellow American players. He recognized that some might need a break after the FedEx Cup, and with some in Italy for the Ryder Cup, not everyone would attend. However, he believed that playing in Europe could have been beneficial prep for some before the Ryder Cup.

Highlighting the larger implications of such decisions, he said: “I hear people asking why America hasn’t won a Ryder Cup over here in 30 years.” He speculated if the financial dominance of the PGA Tour, allowing players to earn substantially without global travel, is a contributing factor. “We have been losing on courses the Europeans are a lot more familiar with,” he elaborated.

He passionately advocated for the event. Mentioning the warm welcome and support he gets from the crowd, he believes golf stars like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas would receive an even grander welcome.

Horschel hopes the Wentworth event retains prominence on DP World Tour

His deep love for the tournament also came with a future concern. With changes anticipated in the professional golf landscape by 2025, he hopes this historic event retains its prominence on the DP World Tour.

Read More: Weeks After Jay Monahan’s Welcoming Announcement, LIV Golf Defector Replies Back With a Harsh 3-Word Response

European Ryder Cup players, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka, Nicolai Hojgaard, Shane Lowry, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick are the notable players participating in the event. We can’t wait to catch the upcoming event at Wentworth and see Horschel shine again!

Watch this story – Moments After Congratulating Wyndham Clark on His 36 Million Glory the Liv Defectors Comment Backfired on Him