When Billy Horschel realized he had secured a spot in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings after the final round of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship, his first instinct was to share the news with a close friend and fellow competitor, Keegan Bradley. The two seasoned golfers have long shared a bond on and off the course, and the call took place immediately after the tournament, capturing a moment of mutual triumph and relief.
As the competition at TPC Southwind concluded, Billy Horschel, who finished tied for tenth, picked up his phone and dialed Keegan Bradley. Bradley had endured a challenging week, finishing in 59th place, and was anxiously waiting to see if his performance would be enough to keep him in the top 50, thus securing a spot in the upcoming BMW Championship.
Billy Horschel’s call was a pivotal moment for Bradley. Horschel, always one to support his peers, wasted no time in relaying the news.
“I just talked to Tom,” Horschel told Bradley, referring to their mutual contact within the golf world. “He said the guys like Tom Kim, Mav McNealy, and Mackenzie Hughes didn’t play well, so they couldn’t drop far enough behind to knock you out.”
For Bradley, who had been concerned about his standing after a week of steady but unspectacular play, Billy Horschel’s words brought immense relief. The realization that he had managed to hold on to his 50th position was overwhelming. The news confirmed that both he and Horschel would be moving on to the BMW Championship, a crucial step in the pursuit of the FedEx Cup.
Billy Horschel calling Keegan Bradley with good news
— Ron Mintz (@MintzGolf) August 19, 2024
Keegan Bradley’s reaction to Billy Horschel’s call
Bradley’s reaction to Horschel’s call was one of gratitude and renewed determination:
“Billy’s call meant a lot to me,” Bradley said in a later interview. “He didn’t have to do that, but it shows the kind of person he is. To know that I had made it into the top 50 was a huge relief. I’m excited to keep competing and to see how far I can go.”
Billy Horschel’s supportive gesture was not just about sharing the news but also about offering encouragement to a fellow competitor and friend. The camaraderie between the two players is emblematic of the close-knit nature of the professional golf community, where competition is fierce, but friendships and mutual respect run deep.
Both Horschel and Bradley are now focused on the BMW Championship, set to take place at Castle Pines Golf Club. The top 50 players from the FedEx St. Jude Championship will compete, with only the top 30 advancing to the Tour Championship at East Lake. The stakes are higher than ever, as every player in the field knows that each stroke could be the difference between moving on or going home.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship, held at TPC Southwind in Memphis, marked the beginning of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings were eligible to compete, with the field being trimmed to the top 50 for the next event, the BMW Championship.
This format creates intense pressure, as every shot counts toward securing a place in the standings and continuing the pursuit of the ultimate prize: the FedEx Cup.
Billy Horschel, after tying for tenth place with Seamus Power at ten under par, was safely within the top 20, securing his spot with relative ease. However, for Keegan Bradley, the stakes were much higher. Bradley finished the tournament at even par, placing 59th, but his consistent play throughout the season allowed him to hang on to the final qualifying position. This precarious standing made Horschel’s call all the more meaningful.
As the FedEx Cup Playoffs progress, the pressure intensifies. For Billy Horschel, who currently sits 19th in the standings, and Keegan Bradley, who holds the 50th spot, the next few weeks will be crucial. The goal is clear: make it to the Tour Championship at East Lake and compete for the FedEx Cup, one of the most prestigious titles in professional golf.
Horschel and Bradley’s journey exemplifies the ups and downs of professional golf, where perseverance, skill, and a bit of luck play essential roles. With the BMW Championship on the horizon, both players are gearing up for another week of intense competition, knowing that every shot will count.
As they prepare, the memory of Billy Horschel’s call will likely serve as a reminder of the importance of camaraderie in a sport where the margins between success and failure are often razor-thin.