Billy Horschel had an impressive performance at the BMW PGA Championship, winning in a playoff against Rory McIlroy. It seems McIlroy struggled with both luck and focus during the final moments of the tournament.
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In a media interview, Horschel reflected on his great victory but admitted he felt tense during the last shots. The American secured a crucial birdie on the 72nd hole and followed it up with a winning eagle two holes later. Horschel mentioned that he was quite nervous during those moments, but as an experienced golfer, he has been in similar situations before. The 37-year-old managed to stay somewhat calm and successfully finished the tournament.
He has repeatedly demonstrated his skills when it comes to putting, and Horschel shared his mindset while facing the five-footer that earned him a spot in the playoff. He has trained extensively for these moments and knows whats crucial when you find yourself in such a situation. The 37-year-old has dedicated countless hours to improve his performance under pressure. It turns out that his training, focus, and ability to handle pressure were key factors for this exceptional golfer once again.
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When he was about to take that putt, he pictured a chalk line starting from the right center of the hole. He imagined rolling the ball along that line, watching it break slightly to the left as it made its way into the hole.
The PGA Tour player had a clear mental game and a solid vision of how to finish strong, proving that Horschel knows what to do when it matters most. On the other hand, his opponent, McIlroy, seemed far from focused. Past experiences from tournaments like the Irish Open and US Open likely weighed heavily on him, as he feared facing a similar scenario again. Unfortunately for McIlroy, that fear became a reality, as he struggled under the pressure despite being an experienced golfer. He felt the strain and anxiety, but he didnt seem overly concerned about the result. McIlroy believes that what's important is shining at various tournaments and trusts that he will eventually make the most of these situations.
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Billy Horschel on the differences between amateurs and professionals
Horschel put an accent on the importance of making solid contact when putting, especially for shots within 10 feet. He explains that he focuses on getting a good line for where he wants the ball to go, staying committed to that line, and listening for the ball to drop into the hole. This approach helps him strike the ball cleanly and start it on the right path.
He notes that many amateur golfers tend to look up too quickly or lose their posture, which often leads to missed putts. In contrast, skilled putters maintain their stance and stay focused until they hear the ball go in, which is key to successful putting.
This is likely what golf experts have pointed out many times: theres a significant difference between professional golfers and amateurs in various aspects of the game. Professionals know how to make the most of every situation and have a deep understanding of the sport. Their mindset is also quite different; they generally know how to handle pressure in difficult moments. Of course, professional players are human and can make mistakes, but over the long run, the differences between professional and amateur golfers are huge.
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For longer putts, this amazing golfer emphasizes that getting the right pace is key to avoiding those frustrating three-putts. He points out that amateurs often struggle with speed, which leads to more missed chances. Those who play amateur golf could also notice that.
To improve, he suggests golfers should focus on feeling the putt. By looking at the hole, they can gauge how hard to hit the ball. He recommends making a few practice strokes to get a feel for it and then trying to replicate that same motion when its time to putt. Achieving a good "dead weight" is crucial.
