Billy Horschel has had enough of talking. He will continue to talk about talking until he is not. When asked for a response, the defending Memorial Tournament winner struggles to keep his lips zipped.
I’m sure because I asked him.
Horschel revealed last week that he had done a podcast interview with Conor Moore (the Irish guy who impersonates golf) and asked if he ever went back to his hotel room and wondered, “Why the hell did you give me that answer?” “And I replied, “Everyday.”
Do you ever wish that you had replied, “No comment?” or “Next question?”
Horshel’s regrets are as short-lived as his temper (more on this in a moment).
He said: “I want to be honest if I am asked a question. “I’m not going to fudge the issue. This is a well-informed opinion. “I’ve thought about it, and I want to answer honestly.”
As a journalist, I wish that all athletes had the same vivacious personality as this 36-year old Floridian. As a journalist, I must admit that it is a lose-lose situation. If you remain silent, then you will be perceived as being aloof or rude. You can get burnt if you say too much.
Horschel finds it tiresome to explain why he does things. He decides to just be himself, and let things fall as they may.
“Do I kick myself? “Why not say, ‘Nah. I’m going to avoid answering that.’ or give a standard answer?” he asked. “But that’s not me.”
Billy Horschel, of the United States, poses with Jack Nicklaus, his wife Barbara Nicklaus, and their sons after winning the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, on June 5, 2022. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images).
Never was. Horschel used to question others’ opinions when he was a child, argued with his classmates in middle-school, and was “that guy” who bombarded Twitter with pearls of wisdom and self-defense tips that no one asked for. He has since backed down, partly because he realizes that social media wars are impossible to win. However, if the opportunity arises, he will be ready.
It’s not his nature, but rather the result of his nurture.
Billy Horschel says that his temper can sometimes get the better of him at tournaments. He attributes the emotional outbursts he has to the competitive fire.
Horschel stated, “My father is a very calm guy.” “That comes from my mother. She’s not controversial, but her answers are more direct and she doesn’t care if they come across as wrong.
Horschel is grateful for the “yin and yang” of quietness and quotability that his parents have modeled for him.
He said, “My father is very sober.” “At first, he will assess the situation and feel out the other person when he meets them. That’s how I am too. If I’m going out with friends, and they invite people I haven’t met before, I will be more reserved. I want to gauge and see these people.”
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He only wishes that others would extend him the same courtesy. Horschel is a golfer who has been dubbed a hothead, and he deserves it, even though he’s worked hard to minimize his angry outbursts during his 14 years of playing on the PGA Tour. His heart, however, is as large as his bank balance, which he says is prodigious. Horschel’s $34.6 million career earnings were boosted by his seven tour victories, including the 2022 Memorial which he won with four strokes and the 2014 FedEx Cup Championship.
Horschel doesn’t hold back on his winnings. Horschel, a Florida graduate, bought his parents’ home and his brother’s cars. He also flew the college coach in first class to St. Andrews for the Open Championship and gives back both financially and as an assistant coach to his alma matter.
Ken Bentley, a founder of the Advocates Professional Golf Association that promotes diversity in the game of golf, told Golfweek Horschel was not just a guy who gives lip service.
Bentley stated, “After the first round of our first tournament Billy played for us, he sat on the putting-green playing putting games for dollars with the guys.” They were playing on the green till dark. Billy gave every player his email and phone number, and told them he would do everything he could to help the players reach the next level.
Horschel’s giving side is unfortunately lost in his taking side. Horschel has been known to take frustrated swings with his club at his bag. He admits that his temper can sometimes get the better of him at tournaments. However, he attributes these emotional outbursts as a result of competitive fire. He’s given up trying to defend himself. He believes that he can be a saint but still be called a sinner.
He’s also tired of hearing about it. It’s hard to believe, I know. Horschel, after discussing topics such as his friend Urban Meyer’s future in coaching (Billy says Meyer is done) and driving in England with Billy, said that he was finished trying to change the way people see him.
Billy Horschel, the winner of the Memorial Tournament, waits for his shot to be taken from the ninth fairway. (Photo: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
He said, “I don’t think it’s fair that people are labeled.” “I’m aware of the impression I gave off earlier in my career and have accepted it. That’s fine. I’m quite a different person when I leave the golf course. When you put me into competitive situations, I’m driven to win. “I don’t enjoy losing or playing poorly.”
You’re guilty if that sounds like Horschel hasn’t yet tired of talking to you about his passion. Consider the source.
He said, “When I was growing up and watching golf, the pros that gave cliched answers were always annoying to me.” There is something to say about being yourself and not caring what others think about you.
There’s always something to say. Horschel is different. Thank goodness.
