Staff WriterBilly Horschel isn’t just back at Wentworth—he’s back with unfinished business. The American, fresh off hip surgery, is ready to defend his BMW PGA Championship crown and chase history in the process.
Horschel became the first American since Arnold Palmer to lift the famous trophy when he triumphed at Wentworth Club in 2021. Last year, he added a second title after surviving a play-off against Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence in a finish that had more drama than a British soap opera. Now, with two more top-ten finishes already on his résumé at this event, the 38-year-old reckons a third win isn’t out of the question.
“I think everyone is well aware of my fondness for this place and obviously the success I’ve had in the brief history of playing this golf course and this great tournament,” Horschel said. “So, when I knew I was going to have that surgery, in discussion with the docs of when I could get back and looking at the schedule and the time, it looked like I was going to be back in time for this.
It’s nice to be back here. Rehab has gone very well. Still not 100 per cent with the hip but there’s no pain, which is a good thing and the golf game is in a decent spot for coming out of surgery.”
That’s encouraging news for the galleries at Wentworth, but Horschel isn’t pretending he’s Superman. “Yes, I am (competitive enough to win). I was hesitant to answer that because I’ve got to keep everything in check. I haven’t played competitive golf for five months.
I understand there’s a little bit of rust there but I feel like there’s a lot of good in my game. I am not trying put too much pressure or expectations on myself this week or really the rest of the fall.
I’m just trying to build my way back into competitive golf, build my way back into walking a tournament and getting any rust of the game off to be able to hit the ground running in ’26.
But I do feel like there’s enough good in my game right now, and I feel like I can have that for 72 holes, that there’s a good chance come Sunday I’ll be in a good position to hopefully challenge for another victory here.”
Donald’s Sacred Ground
Standing in Horschel’s way is an all-star field that includes Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. The Englishman knows a thing or two about winning at Wentworth, having taken back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.
“I always love coming to this event. This is our biggest event on the DP World Tour. It holds special memories for me, how much success I’ve had here, how close it is to where I grew up, a lot of memories even as a kid coming out to watch players like Ernie Els that inspired me into this game,” Donald said.
“I remember just running around as a kid, kind of in awe of how good these players were. To me, Wentworth was this sacred place that had this tournament with all these special guys.
Just watched a lot of those players. I remember watching a lot on TV, as well, all the Match Play events here and Faldo finishing, Seve winning, all those great European players. I think that was always something that in the back of your mind, it made you feel like you wanted to be like them.
Obviously, the crowds are amazing here and it’s a great atmosphere, and obviously we’re very close to the Ryder Cup, as well. So great to have so many of our team here.
Being together in one space is always important in the leadup and the buildup to Ryder Cup.”
Hatton Back on Home Turf
Then there’s Tyrrell Hatton, the fiery Wentworth Club member who will have home support roaring him on.
“I had a fun group (in the Pro-Am) and enjoyed their company and excited to be back here. This tournament is special to me, so, yeah, looking forward to getting started tomorrow and hopefully have a good week,” Hatton said.
“I’m also a member here at Wentworth, so I do try and get back here on my weeks off. It is a place I know well and has a good feel about it. I would like to think that I have played enough tournaments with big crowds that you enjoy the atmosphere that’s created from that, and certainly this week with the home fans, their support, it’s always good fun.
It will probably be a different experience in a few weeks’ time, but you’re dealing with that as you can, and it will be a new experience in a way but I also did play an away Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. So, I don’t think there will be anything too surprising.”
Sunday Showdown Looms
Between Billy Horschel’s comeback bid, Luke Donald’s nostalgia trip, and Hatton’s home advantage, Wentworth is shaping up for another classic BMW PGA Championship.
The stage is set for Sunday, and if Horschel’s hip holds up, we might just see history repeat itself.
