As the frontrunner for The Open title, American golfer Billy Horschel has attracted attention from golf enthusiasts worldwide with his unique choice of using a West Ham United golf bag at Royal Troon in Scotland during the tournament.
Despite a rocky start in the first round, Horschel made a notable comeback, scoring three-under in the second round and clinching four birdies on the front nine in the third round. Currently tied with Britain’s Daniel Brown, he is poised to secure his first major championship title, thanks to his impressive five-under-par performance with only two holes left to play in the third round.
While his exceptional performance has been widely discussed, the distinctive claret and blue bag he proudly carries has also garnered significant attention. Horschel’s support for the Premier League team West Ham United is diligently showcased through the Hammers-emblazoned golf bag, a fervent display of his allegiance to the club.
In a recent press interview, Horschel shared his affinity for West Ham and the warm reactions he receives from British football fans. He humorously mentioned, “Whenever I come over here, I bring out the West Ham bag and hear ‘Up the Hammers’ and ‘Come on you Irons’.” Despite the light-hearted banter, Horschel expressed gratitude for the respectful treatment he has received from supporters, even from those who root for rival clubs.
As the Hammers gear up for their upcoming matches on the Sunshine State Tour, Horschel expressed disappointment at missing the opportunity to witness the new manager Julen Lopetegui in action due to his golf commitments. However, he conveyed his optimism towards the Europa League-winning boss, stating, “I think Julen is going to do a good job.”
Following his impressive T8 finish at the PGA Championship in May, Horschel currently holds the No.11 rank in the world, paralleling his career-best ranking. With his momentum in top form, he is enthusiastic about his chances in major tournaments, particularly after his recent successes.
Expressing his aspiration to secure golf’s most esteemed titles, Horschel emphasized the importance of major victories in establishing a lasting legacy in the sport. He stated, “The majors mean so much to me. It’s a legacy thing. You can establish your legacy in the game of golf by winning a major, by winning multiple majors.”
Admitting to a previous inclination towards perfection in approaching major tournaments, Horschel remarked, “I’ve always felt like I needed to be perfect. You’ve got to play perfect golf in majors to be able to win.” However, he acknowledged a shift in approach in recent years, acknowledging that he had been slow to adapt to the demands of competing in major tournaments.
As Horschel continues to make waves in the golfing world, his unexpected choice of a West Ham United golf bag has added an extra layer of intrigue to his pursuit of The Open title at Royal Troon.