Billy Horschel was brutally honest after being left off the USA Presidents Cup team by Jim Furyk.
Billy Horschel, a prominent figure in professional golf, has recently shared his candid thoughts on being left off the USA Presidents Cup team for 2024. Despite a year marked by fluctuations in form, Horschel managed to secure a spot in the FedEx Cup top 30, though his performance at the Tour Championship left much to be desired. He faced criticism online, particularly after finding himself at the bottom of the leaderboard at East Lake, but he remained resilient, continuing to compete and plan for future events.
One significant disappointment for Horschel this year was his exclusion from the Presidents Cup team. Jim Furyk, the captain, opted for other players, including some who had struggled with form, such as Max Homa. This decision left Horschel reflecting on his own performance and the selection process.
In an appearance on the Another Dooley Noted Podcast, Horschel addressed the question of whether he was surprised by his omission from the team. His response was thoughtful and measured, acknowledging the reality of his situation without bitterness.
Horschel explained that he was not surprised by the decision, attributing this to the way points are accumulated over a two-year period. Despite showing some strong play during the current season, his overall performance over the previous year had left him lower in the rankings. “The way the points work is a two-year accumulation,” he noted. “I was down the list, and although my play this year allowed me to accumulate a lot of points, at the end of the day, I was still around 16th or 17th.”
Horschel recognized that his chances were always slim. He believed that had he performed better in his final two events—the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship—he might have strengthened his case for selection. Unfortunately, he was hindered by a minor injury—a muscle strain in his back and ribs—during the BMW Championship week. This setback affected his performance, making it difficult for him to deliver his best golf. Nevertheless, Horschel remained optimistic, expressing that even without the injury, he would have needed a standout performance to secure a spot on the team.
Despite the disappointment, Horschel remains positive and supportive of his teammates. He was part of the victorious USA team in 2022 and is fully committed to rooting for his colleagues in this year’s competition. Looking ahead, Horschel is focusing on the Ryder Cup in 2025, which will be held at Bethpage Black, and he hopes to make a strong case for inclusion in that prestigious event.
As Horschel extends his season in Europe, planning to compete in the BMW Championship at Wentworth after recovering from his injury, he continues to maintain a positive outlook on his career. His reflections on the Presidents Cup selection process highlight his understanding of the competitive nature of professional golf and his dedication to returning stronger and more determined in the future.
