Billy Horschel Interview: Recapping the Open Championship grind + the state of the PGA Tour

Eight-time PGA Tour winner and 2014 FedEx Cup champion Billy Horschel joins Smylie Kaufman to discuss the state of his game, sports fandom, and much more!

 

Coming off what he'd describe as one of his worst seasons on Tour, Billy discusses his climb back to 27th in the FedEx Cup - which will qualify him for 2025 signature events - with just one event remaining before the playoffs begin. One key piece of that journey came at Royal Troon, where he grinded his way through brutal and rapidly-changing weather conditions to a T2 finish - including one of the more impressive rounds Smylie has witnessed while on the call for NBC.

 

Billy and Smylie also go in depth on the changing structure of the PGA Tour, how Billy became a West Ham United fan, and whether the Hammers or his Florida Gators will be the next to hoist a trophy.

 

Finally, Charlie Hulme joins Smylie to make one-and-done picks for the Wyndham Championship.

 

Key Highlights:

- Billy's mental approach at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon

- How he became a supporter of West Ham, and their chances to win the Premier League

- Thoughts on the PGA Tour's evolving model, signature events, and how many cards should be awarded on a yearly basis

- Billy's advice for young dads and junior golfers

- Previewing the Wyndham Championship

 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

04:46 - Billy Horschel joins the show

06:10 - Favorite Florida Gators football game he's ever been to

10:31 - Advice for young dads

11:32 - Tips for junior golfers

14:25 - Work ethic and personal growth

19:35 - The 2024 Open Championship

30:34 - Billy's mindset for final rounds

34:01 - Weather conditions at Royal Troon

42:13 - How Billy became a West Ham supporter

44:13 - Trophy Predictions: Florida Gators vs. West Ham

46:40 - FedEx Cup points system

53:36 - Optimal number of TOUR cards

59:15 - Billy's goal of making the Presidents Cup team

1:03:05 - The Billy Horschel Family Foundation

1:10:40 - Wyndham Championship Preview + One-and-Done picks

1:26:48 - Outro