In May, Billy Horschel went under the knife for his right hip surgery in Colorado. As a result, Horschel missed the Ryder Cup, along with all three majors: The PGA Championship, the US Open, and The Open. 

In a Q&A with PGATOUR.COM, Billy Horschel opened up about his post-surgery recovery, rehab journey, his OWGR drop to 48th (as of Dec. 21), and falling outside the FedExCup top 50.

Despite all this, Horschel remains positive. When asked about patience during rehab, Horschel was candid:

“I was decently patient for a period of time, and then after the 10-week mark (post-surgery), I felt like I should have been doing more. I wasn't the nicest person to my PT for a week. I know it's going to take time. I know it's gonna take weeks and months for it to fully heal and fully get back. But you're gonna have those moments where you want to do more, you want to push more. That’s just my DNA."

Despite nearing 39, and believes Horschel has not reached his potential, with rehab footage showing him continuing structured strength workouts.

"I'm not ever satisfied. I think I should always do more. For the most part, I think I've been very good except for a few moments here and there.”

Horschel made his return at the BMW PGA Championship in September, choosing Wentworth as his comeback venue as the defending champion. He opened with a 1-over 73 in England and sat outside the cut line after round one. 

While he admitted he wasn’t fully fit, “There’s no pain, which is a good thing, and the golf game is in a decent spot for coming out of surgery,” Horschel said. “I am not trying to put too much pressure or expectations on myself this week… I’m just trying to build my way back into competitive golf.”

Horschel said his body has continued to improve with each start, adding that walking no longer causes setbacks. He noted only minor hip-flexor tightness from limited recent walking and said increased activity one day hasn’t affected his ability to do more the next.

Billy Horschel shares his swing plan

After missing much of the season due to his hip injury, he fell outside the FedExCup top 50, which cost him automatic entry into Signature Events and made major qualification less certain.

To rebuild his position, Horschel plans to start his season at the Sony Open in Hawaii, followed by the first four regular PGA Tour events. If his results allow, that stretch could extend into Signature Events, then continue through the Florida Swing. 

In total, he said he could play 10–13 consecutive weeks, using consistent starts to climb rankings, earn points, and play his way back into majors and elite fields.

Written by

Aditi Singh