Billy Horschel beats Rory McIlroy in Wentworth play-off to claim dramatic win

Horschel eagled the second extra hole to win the DP World Tour’s flagship event after he, McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence had finished tied on 20 under par.

Lawrence was eliminated on the first extra hole after seeing his third shot spin back off the green and into the water, with McIlroy and Horschel both making birdie.

The players returned to the par-five 18th for the second extra hole and both found the green in two, McIlroy narrowly missing his eagle attempt before Horschel holed from marginally closer.

Lawrence had set the clubhouse target following a superb closing 65, although the South African would ultimately be left to rue failing to birdie either of the two closing par fives.

That left the door open for the chasing pack and McIlroy looked set to take full advantage when he holed from 45 feet for an eagle on the 17th and saw his approach to the 18th narrowly avoid the water to the left of the green.

However, after a poor chip McIlroy’s birdie attempt from 15 feet never threatened the hole and Horschel – whose third shot almost span back into the hole for what would have been a winning eagle – holed out for birdie to make it a three-way play-off.

“My heart was pounding on the last couple of shots, the last couple of holes, and especially in the play-off but it’s always fun being in those situations,” Horschel said.

“That’s what I’ve worked so hard for, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to be, in situations like that, going against the best players in the world. I was able to nip Rory and Thriston and come away with the victory.

“I’m thrilled, excited for the way I played and battled out there today but at the same time a little disappointed. Rory’s a really good friend of mine and I think the world of him.

“I think he’s a generational talent and I know how close he’s been this year so I can feel for him, but at the same time I’m pretty excited to be able to get it done today.

“It’s always one of my most special weeks of the year. I enjoy coming here. I feel a sense of ease. I feel a sense of calm. I know I’m not from the UK or London or England, but I feel almost at home when I come here.

“I have a lot of friends that I’ve made over the years and I will say the crowds here make me feel like I’m one of their own, and I’m very appreciative of that.”