Just two years ago, at the Memorial, Billy Horschel was at a low ebb, his confidence hitting rock bottom after a series of poor performances. “My confidence is the lowest it’s been in my entire career,” he words. Fast forward to today, and he’s dealing with a new challenge: recovering from preventive right hip surgery. The signs of it are still affecting him, even though he’s now back on the course.

Horschel dove back into competitive action on Thursday, carding a 1-over 73 at the 2025 BMW PGA Championship. Currently, the 38-year-old sits just shy of the cut line as he heads into Friday’s second round. “It feels great,” Horschel told DPWT, “Felt a little lost out there, to tell you the truth. The nerves and everything else, obviously, not playing for five months.” 

After a lengthy layoff following right hip surgery in early May, Horschel made his first competitive start after the 2025 RBC Heritage in April. There were a few bumps, however. Horschel carded two birdies and three bogeys in the first round. Despite the bogeys, he admitted, “After a few holes, felt a little more comfortable, and it was a decent day out there.”

It will take a lot more for Horschel to bring a similar game as last year, though. Last year, he edged out Rory McIlroy on the second playoff hole to claim the BMW title, thanks to a stunning eagle putt on the par-5 18th hole that dropped right into the cup. Regardless of the outcome this time around, Horschel is open about his struggle with the surgery.

Wednesday, he said in a presser, “There’s no pain, which is a good thing and the golf game is in a decent spot for coming out of surgery. I am not trying put too much pressure or expectations on myself this week or really the rest of the fall.” And it’s not entirely gloomy. Horschel’s 2025 season has shown that he can be a great player if his health allows him.

The eight-time Tour winner has made 12 starts in 2025, with seven cuts made and two top-10 finishes, his best being a T-4 at the Valspar Championship. On the other hand, Horschel has bigger goals. And he admitted that much ahead of his title defense at the BMW PGA Championship.

Billy Horschel opens up about his career goals following the surgery

Billy Horschel is one of golf’s most endearing figures, and his participation always adds value to any tournament. When he’s firing on all cylinders, he’s a top contender, and it’s surprising he hasn’t made a stronger bid for the Ryder Cup team. “Like I said, it was a tough decision because I was in a decent spot to try to make the Ryder Cup team because I’ve never been on it,” he admitted ahead of the 2025 BMW PGA Championship.

Although his preventative surgery ruled out a debut at Bethpage, Horschel remains optimistic that it will ultimately pay dividends. “I think it’s actually been a really good time to have off,” he reflected. “Having these three to four months to really get even stronger with my upper body.” But still admitted that, “some areas in the upper body are getting stronger and can provide a bit more stability and strength and power throughout the swing. “

Despite approaching 39, Horschel is convinced he has plenty of untapped potential. “I still believe even at 38 turning 39 at the end of the year, I believe I am nowhere close to reaching my potential. I believe there is a lot of really good golf left in store for me,” he said, targeting a couple of solid years to realize his unfinished business.

As things stand, Horschel is among the ‘nearly men’ – agonizingly close, yet still searching for that elusive breakthrough. His runner-up finish at The Open in 2024 was a tantalizing taste of what’s possible. So, maybe it’s about time Horschel returns to his top form and gives us a taste of what he can achieve on a golf course.