Billy Horschel

On Monday the American Billy Horschel won his first-ever PGA Tour title when he was victorious at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This week’s player profile takes a look at one of American golf’s most talented young players as his career begins to flourish.

26-year-old Horschel was born in 1986, in Grant, Florida. Growing up in one of America’s most golf-crazy states, Horschel was exposed to the game from a young age. As an aspiring 20-year-old golfer, Horschel set a course record during the opening round of the 2006 U.S. Amateur, coming to the attention of fans and commentators for the first time.

Horschel studied at the University of Florida after receiving an athletic scholarship in 2006. Playing on the Florida Gators men’s golf team, he won first team honours over three successive years and was a four-time All American. Horschel was also named SEC Player of the Year in 2007 and 2009.

Before graduating at the end of 2009, Horschel represented his country at the 2007 Walker Cup, the 2007 and 2008 Palmer Cup, and the 2008 Eisenhower Trophy. These successful team events as well as his list of collegiate golf honours promoted Horschel to turn professional, earning his Tour card for the 2010 season through the PGA’s Q School.

Horschel’s debut season on the PGA Tour was a mixed success, with a wrist injury interfering with his game for most of the year. However, he successfully completed Q School again at the end of the season and played a fuller schedule of events in 2011. Weathering the competition at the top level of American golf, Horschel continued to improve his game through the 2012 season, improving his performance and making more cuts than ever before.

On Sunday, Horschel’s hard work paid off when he broke through to win his first event on the PGA Tour. With a solid game and a renewed focus, this talented player looks set to make his mark on North American golf in the years to come.

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