Golf’s finest moments often hinge on split-second decisions. Last week, at the BMW PGA Championship, Billy Horschel won $1.53m and made history as the first American golfer to win the tournament twice. He outlasted Rory McIlroy in a thrilling playoff with a clutch eagle on the 18th hole. But what was racing through his mind in that pivotal moment? In a candid revelation, Ho exposed the internal debate that preceded his triumphant yet restrained celebration. A sort of dilemma that speaks to the very heart of sportsmanship.

Billy Horschel revealed on the Flushing It Golf podcast what was going inside his brain just before sinking the winning putt. As he stood on the green, putter in hand, he wasn’t just thinking about the win. He was thinking about Rory McIlroy, his opponent and friend. “What kind of celebration do I do?” he wondered. 

“I thought, ‘Do I give it, you know, a Tiger Woods’ fist bump, or do I?’ Is it more mundane and more respectful for the competitor, Rory? And for just the environment that I was in?” the 37-year-old recalled. “I felt at that moment, I felt it was more respect just to sort of raise the arms like, ‘Man, this is a great competition. It’s over. I came out victorious, but at the same time show the respect that I have for Rory.'” 

Yet, beneath the restrained celebration, a fierce competitor’s heart beats. “Listen, I wanted to beat Rory,” Billy admitted. “I wanted to come out victorious. I don’t ever want to lose. I want to win, and I want to be the guy who’s holding the trophy at the end.” However, this candid confession humanizes Ho’s triumph, revealing the drive that fuels his success. But it’s his celebration that truly defines his character—a delicate balance of competitive fire and respectful grace.

The 8-time PGA Tour winner’s admiration for Rory McIlroy shone through in his words. To him, the Northern Irishman is the gold standard—a generational talent and the best golfer of their era. Additionally, he marvels at McIlroy’s exceptional skill and unwavering graciousness, whether in victory or defeat. This nuanced blend of competitiveness and respect is rooted in a deeper dynamic. One forged through years of friendship and rivalry between the two.

A bond forged in competition: Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel

Their rivalry’s roots trace back to the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down. That’s when a young Billy Horschel first clashed with Rory McIlroy. Consequently, that moment sparked Horschel’s enduring respect for McIlroy’s exceptional talent. Specifically, in their singles match, McIlroy sank a 12-foot birdie putt with effortless precision. And that competitive fire left an indelible mark on Horschel’s memory.

“I can remember a lot of shots I hit. I remember a lot of the moments. The one that stuck out to me shows the type of player he was and the ability that he had.” He recalled at the 2024 Irish Open media day. Their friendship has only grown stronger since. Considering McIlroy’s 10-year major drought and recent near-misses at the US Open and Irish Open, Horschel acknowledged the broader significance of his BMW PGA Championship win. 

“We have a tremendous friendship,” Horschel said. “I was thrilled to win, but at the same time, I understood that. By me winning, people were going to be critical of him. That I felt he didn’t deserve. He’s won 40 times around the world. I mean, that’s one hell of a career.” Billy Horschel’s empathetic words and his celebration choice highlight the mutual respect and admiration between these two golfing giants.

Meanwhile, share your insights on how Billy Horschel’s generosity and respect reflect the spirit of golf in the comments below.