TROON: Billy Horschel said he had been waiting his whole life for this opportunity after taking the lead before Sunday’s final round of the British Open.
The American leads the congested leaderboard at Royal Troon by one shot at four under after a 2-under 69 on Saturday.
A combination of high winds and torrential rain created conditions that world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler described as the toughest he had ever faced on the back nine.
But Florida native Horschel thrived in the wet of Scotland’s west coast to claim a first major title.
“I’ve worked my whole life to be in this position,” said the 37-year-old, who is an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour.
“I’ve been in the lead a lot of times going into the final round. Obviously this is a major. It means a little bit more. We all know that. We know what it means to everybody.”
“I know what this means for my legacy in the game of golf and what I want to do and accomplish.
“But I’m excited to be here. I’ve wanted to be here my whole life. I’m finally here. I’m embracing it.”
Horschel revealed that he will turn off the darts watch before an important round due to his love of British sports.
A West Ham fan has donned the London club’s crest on his golf bag this week and also adopted a solution to the harsh conditions of links golf on the other side of the Atlantic.
“I’m tired of golf, where you go all out and lean to a certain number and it stops,” he added.
“I like when you have to be creative and find a way around the golf course, and I think I’ve always been good at that for the most part.
“That’s why I always enjoyed days like this. Horschel will play alongside Thriston Lawrence of South Africa in the final doubles from 1325 GMT on Sunday.
