Billy Horschel claimed his second PGA Championship title at Wentworth on Sunday, sealing the victory with an eagle on the second hole of a playoff against Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence. The thrilling finale saw all three players finish the fourth round tied at 20-under par, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
In the playoff, Lawrence made an early exit after posting a bogey on the first extra hole, while both Horschel and McIlroy managed to birdie. The action then moved back to the par-five 18th hole for the second playoff hole, where both players found the green in two shots. McIlroy narrowly missed his eagle attempt, allowing Horschel to sink a slightly closer putt for the win.
Reflecting on his victory, Horschel expressed his affection for the tournament, stating, "It's always one of my most special weeks of the year. I enjoy coming here. I feel a sense of ease. I feel a sense of calm." Despite not being from the UK, he noted that he feels almost at home during the championship, which adds to the significance of his win.
McIlroy, who had finished second in the Irish Open the previous week, acknowledged the high level of competition. "It just shows the standard out here," he remarked. "If you slip up just a little bit or don't make a birdie on a crucial hole, someone is always waiting to take advantage of that." Meanwhile, Lawrence, who had set the clubhouse target with an impressive closing round of 65, would reflect on missed opportunities, particularly not birdying either of the two closing par fives.
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