BILLY HORSCHEL WON the US PGA’s season-ending Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup, firing a final-round 68 to defeat Rory McIlroy and Jim Furyk by three strokes.
A final round of 68 sealed the $1.4 million (€1.08 million) top prize at East Lake as well as the playoff bonus of $10 million (€7.7 million).
After starting the day in a share of the lead, McIlroy stumbled with a double-bogey at the sixth and then three straight bogeys from nine through 11.
The world number one finished with three birdies in the last four holes but it was too little too late.
“I think it was just a week too far,” McIlroy said. “I was making mistakes out there that I don’t usually make and it got away from me.
“I don’t want to see my golf clubs until the Ryder Cup. I want to take a week off and recharge.”
Horschel, 27, entered the playoff run in 60th place four weeks ago but struck gold and won more money in one day than he had since turning professional five years ago.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “I was sort of looking toward the start of the 2014-15 season.
“At the same time I knew my game was in good shape and I needed to get out of my own way. I was able to show my game was in good shape these past two weeks.”
