Billy Horschel reveals what Rory McIlroy was really like as a golfer before he made it on the PGA Tour

Billy Horschel is one of the most popular and well loved golfers in the game and when it came to recognising the talent Rory McIlroy had as a teen, he was right there to witness.

Despite being a few years older than McIlroy, Horschel has been around long enough now to witness everything the Northern Irish star has achieved over his career.

Unlike McIlroy, Horschel has yet to land that elusive major. Despite winning big events in his career, the American just hasn’t got over the line when it comes to the big ones.

Whether that is a talent or a mentality thing, is open to debate.

But with McIlroy having won four majors by the time he was 24 and finally adding The Masters in 2025, it’s safe to say he definitely has both of those qualities.

Indeed, according to Billy Horschel, it was always obvious as to just how good McIlroy was and could be.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Billy Horschel gives verdict on Rory McIlroy as a golfer and person

‘Billy Ho’ is always good for an interview and when he does speak he often delivers insightful information and knowledge.

Indeed, speaking on the latest ‘The Thing About Golf’ podcast, Horschel has been speaking about McIlroy and shared his experience with him through the years.

“There was a kid by the name of Rory McIlroy. He has done okay in his career! We knew he was a really good player. He had just finished low amateur at Carnoustie. Unlike a lot of his other teammates, we were not very aware of him in the sense of how good he was because some of his other teammates played in the US. He was only 17 at the time so was not in college,” Horschel recalled.

“He did not come over to America to play that I can remember being in an event with him. He was a couple of years younger. But we knew he was really good. I played against him a couple of times and what he showed was a lot of talent and ability. A lot of belief.

“I remember leaving there and maybe our relationship at that time, because of the way things went on on the golf course, and I’m not afraid to admit I was a little too boisterous as I have said many times, that I wanted to be the Sergio Garcia for the American side. I wanted to be that pest and that cheerleader, that emotional side who was getting everyone going. I probably went overboard a little bit and our relationship at that point in time when we walked away, I thought Rory was great and said if you need anything in America I am happy to help and the next day I read some comments. I’m like well this is as expected.

“And from there until where we are now, I think the world of him. We have a great friendship. We text and we were 20 years ago to where we are now is completely different people. We have great respect for each other and a great friendship. I think we could never imagine, I don’t think anyone on any side of the American side, could imagine Rory – what we saw there. We knew he had ability but what he has accomplished in the game of golf was historic.

“It wasn’t one we didn’t believe could happen, but you just never know how it is going to pan out.”

Billy Horschel v Rory McIlroy continues into the modern era

We only have to look back as far as the BMW Championship at Wentworth last year to look at just how good it can be when McIlroy and Horschel battle it out.

The duo went toe to toe at the iconic English venue in September 2024 and it went to a playoff hole to separate the pair.

In the end, it was a magical long putt from Horschel that did the business and won it for him.

However, there was no animosity, and a clear respect between the pair as they stood on that final green and embraced after such a battle.

As Horschel says here, that’s a respect built over many years and something that a lot of golfers, sadly, don’t have for each other.