A career of contradictions is perhaps what defines it best Billy Horschel: a sharp-dressed golfer with a sharp, buttoned-up swing but equally known for fiery outbursts.
An amateur standout who helped the United States secure the 2007 Walker Cup and a University of Florida star with four All-Americans and two SEC Player of the Year titles, Horschel was the kid to miss when he turned pro in 2009. Earning his PGA Tour card that December through injury Q-School, but in Horchel’s 10 season after two more Q-School attempts, his career took off in 2013. He earned his first win at that year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a dazzling six-birdie final round, then dominated 2014, winning the FedEx Cup with triumphs at the BMW Championship and Tour Championship.
After a quiet decade, Horschel bounced back in a big way in 2024, posting two wins — one on the PGA Tour, one on the DP World Tour — and a near miss in the Open at Royal Troon. He continues to post top-10 finishes and display a renewed consistency and resilience.
Watch below to learn more about the eight-time tournament winner’s swing.
1. Address
Pros stay much closer to the ball than rec players. Billy is close without looking crowded, and he has his backside out without overextending his back.
2. Takeaway
Note the Horschel’s club toe pointing skyward—an old-school move that allows you to soften the trail arm and shoulder more to free up the turn.
3. Ball
Billy’s neat and orderly return is neither cheap nor long. Note that he doesn’t flex his left wrist too much – flattening is good, folks. The buttons on his sweatshirt point away from the target. Now that’s a bust!
4. Discount
Horschel does a great job of starting to drive his leg without overdoing it, and he keeps his chest closed while opening his hips. He’s holding the shaft between his arms, like Jack Nicklaus and David Toms. This is a great goal for any golfer who burns out trying to hit the shaft.
5. Impact
Billy’s impact position is a great combination of a relatively high and forward shoulder. It’s something he has to constantly balance with his tendency to keep side bending long after the snap.
6. Release
Horschel controls the clubface by keeping his track arm under his lead arm while turning the butt of the club to point back at his torso. One keeps the face from closing too quickly and the other from staying too open for a poor slide.
Brian Manzella is one GOLF Top 100 Teachers who teaches at English Turn Golf & CC in New Orleans, La.
