What is your practice round routine, Billy Horschel?
I usually play nine holes on Tuesday. After that, I spend time working on my wedges with my TrackMan, dialing in my distances for the week. From there, I head to the short game area and work about an hour or so on chips and pitches. Lastly, I head to the putting green to do my weekly putting drills. I have roughly 6-10 drills I do on a weekly basis.
What part of your game do you enjoy practicing the most?
I actually love practicing my short game the most. There is so much creativity in the short game and so many shots to learn that you can practice for hours and learn so much.
What exercises do you feel most benefit your game?
My core exercises and working on the flexibility in my lats.
How do you mentally prepare yourself on the tee box with a crowd watching, especially on the first tee?
You get used to it over time, but at first it can be very scary. I just have to remember that it’s golf and whether you hit a bad shot or a good one, they will be impressed no matter what.
What is the worst golf tip you were ever given?
Honestly, I can’t remember. I try to only focus on the good ones. But the one I hear the most that I think is bad is that you must keep your head down during your golf swing. You should naturally let your head come up when it wants to.
What is the best golf tip you were ever given?
Play within yourself. Simply, that means if you can’t hit a 7-iron 185 yards like Rory McIlory, don’t try it. Hit your 7-iron the distance you can. Play to your ability and what you know you can do, not what you think you can do.
What performance stat do you pay attention to?
There are so many stats now on the PGA Tour. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming. I have a stats guy I work with, and we focus on two basic stats that have direct correlation with how well I play. Greens in regulation and scrambling – when both of these are at the top of the pack during a tourney, I am usually in contention to win that week.
For golfers looking to improve their game, how important is being fitted for golf clubs?
I can’t stress enough how important it is to be properly fitted for clubs. It’s like being fitted for a suit. Your goal is to look the best you possibly can. If it does not fit you to the “T”, then you won’t look as good as you possibly can.
Are there any specific performance indicators that you look for when being fitted for the new clubs?
I’m mostly looking at spin rates with all my clubs. A 7-iron should have around 7000rpm of spin with it. If your 7-iron spins 8000 or 6000rpm, then you have too much spin which will lead to a softer flight and the ball won’t go as far. Or you will have the opposite effect, which has too little spin and the ball will go farther, but will not stop as quickly on the greens.
Is there one par-3 you’ve played that stands out as a favorite?
I think #16 at TPC Scottsdale offers a really unique atmosphere. It’s not a tough hole at all. But when you add 30,000 fans surrounding you, your heart starts beating faster and your adrenaline is through the roof. You can very easily wind up hitting a PW 155 yards.
What tournament would you like most to win?
I would love to win the US Open. It’s the one I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. I just loved that it was an everyman tournament in the sense that if you have a low enough handicap, you can try and qualify and possibly win the US Open.
What celebrity would you most like to a play a round of golf with?
I would love to play with Michael Jordan. He’s somebody I looked up to as a kid. I just loved the way he gave it his all and competed every night. He seemed to never be satisfied and was always striving to be better as a player. Also, I know he likes to play for a little bit of money, which is right up my alley!
Mustang or Gunboat?
Love them both, but the Gunboat has been working brilliantly so far and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The Gunboat is going to win some tourneys this year.
What is your favorite golf movie of all time?
Tin Cup. It goes hand in hand with why I want to win the US Open, and I like Kevin Costner as an actor.
What do you think about when you are alone in a car?
Most of the time, absolutely nothing. I love driving to tournaments because it’s a relaxing time for me. It’s like meditation. Except for when there’s a slow car in the left-hand lane. Haha.
What song best/suits your golf game?
Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I try and keep my game very simple. It’s a struggle because I’m a perfectionist, but when I do, I usually play really well.
What is your go to song in the shower?
Usually, it’s whatever song I’m listening to the most. Right now, it’s Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd.
What are the wildest RLX/Polo pants you have been asked to wear?
I’ve worn quite a bit of crazy pants, but it all started with the Octopus pants at the 2013 US Open. I started a trend that I absolutely love. Some people love them and some people hate them, but I always look forward to wearing something that is different.
