Horschel INDUCTED INTO SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME IN 2014
Atlanta’s Big Win: Billy Horschel and the Drive Take the TGL Crown
In a sunny showdown at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach, Florida, the Atlanta Drive breezed past the New York Golf Club, thanks in large part to a stunning 18‑foot putt by Billy Horschel. The rookie‑turned‑pro’s chip not only gave the team a boost, it sealed the ultimate victory.
From Bayside to the Big Stage
- Horschel cut his teeth at Bayside High School, a Palm Bay gem that churned out a future golf superstar.
- He carried the torch from the University of Florida (Gainesville) into the spotlight, earning first‑team all‑conference honors for four straight years (2006‑2009).
- His college years were peppered with three All‑American nods (2006, 2007, 2009).
Pro‑Lives: A Quick Rise
- Turned pro in 2009 and quickly juggled seven Korn Ferry events before snagging his PGA card in 2011.
- April 2013: Zurich Classic of New Orleans – first PGA win.
- 2014: Crowned FedEx Cup Champion.
Career Highlights (So Far)
- 8 PGA wins + 10 runners‑up.
- 33 Top‑5 finishes, 66 Top‑10s.
- Current season: 1 Top‑10, 1 Top‑5.
- Recent feats: T‑9 at Pebble Beach Pro‑Am, T‑4 at the Valspar Championship.
The Big Finish
With Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay riding shotgun, the Drive dominated the best‑of‑three showdown, clinching a 2‑0 win over the New York squad. The victory came with a huge payoff:
- Team share: $9 million split among the line‑up.
- Plus, the coveted championship trophy.
Horschel’s face‑full tears at the podium underscored the moment’s emotional weight—nothing could have prepared anyone for the joy spilled in that Palm Beach arena. Congratulations, Billy! You’ve officially earned a place in Atlanta’s golfing lore.
2014 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Video Spotlight: Billy Horschel Four-Time All-American At UF
Billy Horschel’s Historic Four‑Time All‑American Achievement
Meet Billy Horschel – a standout former University of Florida golfer who earned the coveted All‑American title a record four times. In the storied history of the Gator program, just five players—including Horschel—have ever reached that elite level.
That’s a pretty rare accomplishment, and it underscores exactly why Billy was always a fan favorite on the course.
BILLY HORSCHEL – 2014 INDUCTEE
Meet the Rising Star: Billy Horschel
Who Is Billy?
By 23, Billy Horschel has already carved a name for himself in the world of golf. Born in Utah, he turned pro in the fall of 2016 and has been smashing onto the PGA Tour ever since. Known for his calm demeanor and a swing that feels more like a smooth jazz solo than a power drive, Billy’s got the swagger without the swagger‑buzz.
Career Highlights (Because Numbers Speak Louder Than Words)
- 2018: First PGA Tour win at the Wyndham Championship; he pulled off the smoothest birdie ever to clinch the title.
- 2020: Finished 4th at the Masters, giving fans the surprise of the year.
- 2021: Victorious at the American Express Invitational, cementing his spot among the elite.
- 2023: Surprising win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, making endless chord progressions in the leaderboard.
Why We Love Him
Billy isn’t just another green‑y at the fairway. He pairs the precision of a seasoned pro with the vibe of a laid‑back aficionado. Whether he’s slicing a course or pulling a smile off the front-of-stage podium, Billy reminds us that golfing doesn’t have to be a stiff business.
Some Fun Facts
- He’s a true pet‑lover and often posts pictures of his rescue dogs on socials.
- His signature golf tee shirt bears the motto: “Drive Hard, Smile Harder.”
- He’s been known to incorporate surf‑inspired poses into his warm‑up routine.
Looking Ahead
With a string of victories under his belt, Billy’s trajectory is set to soar toward the Grand Slam. Already on the radar of golf enthusiasts worldwide, you’ll want to keep an eye on him as he tees up for the next big tournament. And yes, there might even be a line at the merch stand—just don’t expect it to be the same price!
• Four-Time All-American
• PGA Professional
• US Amateur Medalist
Meet Billy Horschel: All Gator Energy on the Course
Picture this: a compact 175‑pound prospector from Grant, Florida, who packs a punch of Gator pride.
Early Days & Sparks of Golf
Born and raised in the sunshine state, Billy’s swing was almost as smooth as a Gator’s glide—only this time, it was on the green.
University of Florida – The Gator Chapter
- Graduated in 2009 after mastering the art of both academia and swing.
- Always sported orange and blue in the dress code of any tournament, showing off proud Gator vibes.
- Blended skill with Southern charm, creating a signature style that turns heads on the course.
What Makes Him Stand Out
He’s not just a golfer; he’s a walking billboard for Gator spirit—turning each putt into a slide of pure enthusiasm and a half‑teaching moment on the green.
Billy Horschel was a four-time All-American at UF. Only five players in Gator history have received the award four times.
Neither of Billy’s parents have college degrees, so his diploma is as important to Horschel and his family as his exploits on the golf links.
Horschel’s scholarship to UF allowed him to play for coach Buddy Alexander’s Florida Gator’s men’s golf team in National Collegiate Athletic Association competitions from 2006 to 2009 while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport management.
His university is as equally proud of Horschel as he is of his alma mater, since he is a four-time All-American.
Only five players in Gator history have received the award four times.
Winning comes easily to Horschel, who as an amateur snagged individualist medalist honors at the 2006 U.S. Amateur, shooting a two-day score of 138 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
His opening round of 60 was an 18-hole tournament and USGA record.
In 2007 and 2009, Horschel received Southeastern Conference Player of the Year awards, joining Camilo Villegas as the only two UF golfers to earn the award more than once.
An athlete of perseverance and determination, Horschel’s biggest golf thrill was walking away with the 2007 Walker Cup.
In 2009, Horschel turned pro after he earned rookie status on the PGA Tour with his success at the qualifying tournament at Bear Lakes Country Club.
In 2013, the young golfer made the cut in every one of the 26 tournaments he entered and finished in the top ten eight times.
His first career PGA Tour victory came last year at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, thanks to six consecutive birdies in the final round en route to an 8-under 64 that gave him the victory.
The week before the tourney, Horschel vowed to Zurich CEO Martin Senn that “I’ll see you Sunday from the winner’s circle.” He made certain of his promise.
When asked what winning the Zurich classic meant to him, Horschel replied with a statement that speaks of his family values.
“I am now able to financially help my parents and my brother,” he said. “This means a lot to me.”
The win at the Big Easy moved Horschel to third in FedEx Cup standings, third on the PGA Tour money list and 49th in the Official World of Golf Ranking.
BRIGHTEST YOUNG STAR ON THE PGA TOUR
In the 2013 U.S. Open, playing in his first major as a professional, Horschel held a joint lead with Phil Mickelson at the halfway point of the tournament.
He was one of only two players under par after the second round. He shot a 285, 4 strokes off the winner and finished tied for 4th in his first pro major, and moved up to 34th in world rankings and 4th in the FedEx Cup standings.
Feisty and passionate, Horschel has already been named one of the Top 10 Most Colorful Players on the PGA Tour. His octopus pants at the U.S. Open probably had something to do with the standing.
As a young player on the tour, Horschel is already involved in helping charities and hopes to one day create his own.
“Billy is one of the brightest young stars in the tour,” said Steve Worthy, CEO of Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
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THE 2021 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 7.
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