Billy Horschel makes eyebrow-raising claim after BMW PGA Championship win

Billy Horschel says he thinks he's one of the best putters in the world after he defeated Rory McIlroy in a playoff at the BMW PGA Championship. 

Horschel held his nerve against the World No.3 and South Africa's Thriston Lawrence over extra holes on Sunday at the flagship event on the DP World Tou.

The American began the day three strokes behind Italian Matteo Manaserro but drew level with Lawrence's 20-under total with a closing birdie.

Related:

• McIlroy consoled by daughter Poppy at Wentworth 
• Sky's Riley hits back as Wentworth heckler shouts 'McIlroy is a bottle job' at BMW PGA

Lawrence made bogey on the first playoff hole on the championship course after finding the water with his third shot. 

Horschel and McIlroy made birdies to extend the contest but it was the 37-year-old who prevailed, sinking a huge eagle putt after McIlroy's attempt burned the edge. 

Horschel told reporters he wasn't happy with how he was swinging all week and was therefore relying on his putter to get him out of trouble. 

In the immediate aftermath of victory, Horschel said: "I feel I'm one of the best putters in the world. 

"Once I start seeing one or two go in, it start[ed] fuelling my confidence even more and I had to rely on it. 

"Because like I said I didn't stripe it or strike it as well as I would have wanted. 

"I had to make a lot of 20-footers for birdies everything and. But it bailed me out when I needed it."

Horschel said his 'heart was pounding' down the stretch. 

"But it's always fun being in those situations," he said. "That's what we work so hard for. 

"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 and hopefully be able to come out on top on the day. 

"I was able to nip Rory and Thriston and come away with the victory."

Horschel also had some kind words for McIlroy. 

The duo met at the 2007 Walker Cup and now Horschel regards the Ulsterman as a 'close friend'. 

"I think he's the best player in our generation," he said.  

"He's done so much for the game. You see the support he has here; you see the support he has around the world. 

"He has the most crowds and supporters outside of Tiger Woods. He's great I think for the game of golf. He does so many great things."

Horschel continued: "Listen, I'm a fan of golf at heart. 

"I do play professionally on the PGA and DP World Tour but I am a golf fan and I want to see great golf and I want to see the top players play well and win, and I know he's been close a lot this year. 

"He [McIlroy] has not been able to get it done and you can feel for someone like that.

"I do feel for him a little bit that it was another opportunity that he wasn't able to get it done, but at the same time, you know, to battle him head-to-head and with other guys on the last playoff hole, I wouldn't want it any other way."

Watched our latest YouTube video?