Billy Horschel felt a tinge of guilt after draining a monster eagle putt on the second playoff hole to win the BMW PGA Championship over Rory McIlroy. Speaking after his triumph, Horschel said while he was delighted with the way he played, he couldn't help but feel for his good friend McIlroy.

Horschel revealed McIlroy has endured a string of near misses in 2022, finishing runner-up an incredible four times despite also winning twice. At Wentworth, McIlroy bravely battled down the stretch, holing an enormous eagle on the penultimate hole to force a playoff. However, it wasn't to be for the Northern Irishman once more.

Billy Horschel of the United States celebrates on the 18th green with Rory McIlroy after the second play-off hole at Wentworth Club. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

While taking nothing away from his own performance, Horschel praised McIlroy's talents, calling him a "generational talent." He said he knew how gutting it must feel for Rory to come so close for the fourth time this season.

“I’m thrilled, excited for the way I played,” Horschel said. “I battled out there today. But at the same time, I’m a little disappointed. Rory is 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.”

Going into the final two holes, Billy Horschel mounted a fierce charge up the leaderboard. While Thriston Lawrence and Rory McIlroy both failed to post birdies on the closing par-5 holes, Horschel sank consecutive birdie putts.

Buoyed by his caddie's advice, Horschel successfully laid up on the treacherous last, consolidating an impressive 4-under in his last seven holes. His 67 earned him a spot alongside Lawrence and McIlroy in extra play.

In the playoff, nerves were jangling according to Horschel. However, he held firm to force a second playoff hole after Lawrence faltered. With McIlroy also in the mix, the galleries were firmly behind the popular Irishman.

At the last, McIlroy found the green in two but his eagle try stayed above ground. When Horschel also hit the dancefloor, he showed no mercy by holing from distance. 

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

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of yet more near miss heartbreak, Rory McIlroy cut a philosophical figure. While last week's Irish Open defeat still stung, he left Wentworth with his head held high once more thanks to a brave playoff showing.

While ruing his failure to make one more crucial birdie when it mattered most, McIlroy graciously took stock of the immense quality on display. He says while his form remains encouraging overall, the margins for error against this strength of field are tiny.

“Last week was a tough one, but I left there with my head held high with the way I played the last hole trying to make 3,” McIlroy said, “and then yeah, I mean, played the playoff holes perfectly, really, a couple of birdies. But it just shows the standard out here. If you slip up just a little bit or don’t make a birdie on a crucial hole, someone is always waiting to take advantage of that. … Two weeks in a row, I’ve played well. Just not quite well enough. But you know, happy with where my game is and happy where it’s trending.”

Italy's Matteo Manassero flattered to deceive after leading after rounds one and two, eventually sliding back to finish tied fourth after ballooning to a closing 73. He was joined there by Englishman Matthew Baldwin and India's Aaron Rai, more proof of the depth on offer.