West Ham United-supporting golfer Billy Horschel held his nerve to win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Surrey, for the second time on Sunday.
The Hammers-mad American held off the challenge of Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy to win at the second play-off hole, making a superb putt for an eagle to secure a memorable victory.
Cheered on by West Ham legend and his close friend Mark Noble, and carrying his clubs in his now-famous Claret and Blue West Ham United-themed golf bag, Horschel started the day in joint second.
He made birdies on the final two holes to finish 20 under par and join a three-man play-off with McIlroy and South African Thriston Lawrence. Lawrence dropped out after the first play-off hole, then Horschel made a three at the par-five 18th to match his win at Wentworth in 2021.
Talking of Horschel's bag, which he originally had specially made for The Open Championship in 2021, he has put one up for sale in a special fundraising auction.
The 37-year-old is auctioning the bag for his and wife Brittany’s Horschel Family Foundation, which provides support for people with addiction or mental health issues, promotes wellness and healthy living, assists local food banks and veterans in Horschel’s home state of Florida, and provides opportunities for golfers from minority backgrounds through its partnership with the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA).
Horschel’s famous Claret and Blue bag has been signed by the ten-time tournament winner, West Ham legend and his friend Mark Noble, and members of the men’s first-team squad, who the golfer spent time with during the Club’s pre-season tour of the Sunshine State.
What is more, Horschel used the bag to conduct a fun-packed Q&A session in which he revealed his favourite West Ham memories, his dream Hammers fourball, Noble’s golf game, whether he would rather appear in a Ryder Cup or watch the Irons win the UEFA Champions League, and how he ended up carrying a Claret and Blue golf bag, which you can watch here!
While McIlroy was the overwhelming fans' favourite at Wentworth, Horschel was cheered around the course by his fellow Hammers, including Noble.
“Wentworth is the course with the loudest West Ham fans!” smiled the 2021 champion. “I hear so much of ‘Come on you Irons!’ and ‘Up the Hammers!’ and get serenaded throughout the golf course with ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’, so that would probably be the one on a regular basis that is the loudest!”
Horschel's second BMW Championship win comes two months after Horschel finished tied for second at The Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland, where he was roared on by a passionate Claret and Blue Army of golf fans.
“It was nasty weather on the Saturday walking up onto number 12 green and it happened a few other times, getting serenaded with ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’ from about 200 fans was pretty special,” he recalled. “I had goosebumps and the hairs on my arms were sticking up, so that was a pretty memorable moment right then and there.”
Make a bid for Billy's bag now HERE.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Billy on his fantastic victory!
