Billy Horschel is exactly the same on and off the course. Aggressive, brave, and determined. He doesn’t hesitate to express his opinion, even if not everyone likes it. He doesn’t try to please. He’s someone worth listening to, as his reasoning is often full of common sense. This Wednesday at the cradle of golf, he spoke about the future and the possibility of an agreement between the PGA Tour, PIF, and the DP World Tour. His proposal for the ‘final solution’ sounds wonderful. Another thing is whether it can be carried out.
“In my opinion, in my way of seeing things, I believe that if this negotiation works as I hope, I trust that the DP World Tour will be taken care of. I’m going to delve a bit more into what I believe and have believed for so long. Golf should be a kind of pyramid. At the top would be what we could call the World Tour, no matter how many guys, let’s say 100; and then you have the PGA TOUR and a bit lower the DP World Tour; and then come the Challenge Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour. All with a filtering system that works both upwards and downwards. I think that should be the line. If done this way, I believe that financially all parts of the pyramid will be rewarded even more than now,” he assures. Additionally, he asserts that a spot should be made in the calendar for team golf, as something separate. Of course, individual tournaments should be played over 72 holes, Billy won’t budge on that.
Horschel doesn’t keep his opinions to himself. He has also discussed them with the big bosses of the American circuit. “This is what I hope for and what I talk about with the people of the PGA TOUR. I show them this side of the issue and I am convinced that if we do it, it will reward everyone in the long term.”
Regarding the supposed obligation to compensate golfers who did not go to LIV Golf at the time to allow for a united world circuit, Horschel is against it. He prefers to think that everyone was old enough to make their own decisions and that it’s about looking forward. “I don’t think anyone needs to be compensated. The PGA TOUR made its deal with SSG and a certain number of players got shares of the tour. My wife told me one thing: if you don’t get any shares, your life won’t change. You’ll still be happy, you’ll still play golf and enjoy everything you have. And if you get a part of those shares, then it’s gold. It’s the icing on the cake. We have the shares and others decided to go to LIV. As I said, I don’t blame them for the financial decision they made, and I don’t think the guys on the PGA TOUR who didn’t go should, if the PIF comes in, receive more money because they didn’t take that opportunity or weren’t offered that opportunity,” he points out.
Horschel is convinced that it’s time to care for the sport and competition above money. “I’m not worried about money. Personally, I’m happy. I love playing golf. I play to compete and see how good I am against players like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and all these guys. The financial aspect obviously plays a role, but really it’s just a bonus for me, that’s how I’ve always seen it.” Horschel believes that with time, wounds will heal and it will be easier to reach an agreement. “Time allows things to dissipate. We’ve seen it throughout history. I’m sure there are people who still hold grudges. Personally, I still hold some grudges, I’m not going to lie. But I understand that for things to get better and heal, you have to get over it. Personally, I’ve already gotten over it. But I know some guys, some players, probably still hold grudges. I’ve based this on what I’ve seen said on social media and in other interviews, and certain things I’ve heard in the locker room. But I think we need to move beyond to truly unite,” he states.
Tom Kim is the Seve Ballesteros of the Presidents
Finally, regarding the Presidents, Horschel believes that Tom Kim is the new Seve Ballesteros. “I think someone like Tom Kim is needed to change things. Tom Kim could be the Severiano Ballesteros of the internationals, with the passion he shows and the way he plays and everything else, he has emotionally led that team in the last two Presidents Cups.”
