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As fans have gradually started to return to the PGA Tour, so too have the moronic comments from outside the ropes.

Just ask Billy Horschel.

The American was playing in the opening round of this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill when he was pounced upon by a heckler. 

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When his birdie putt at the par-4 ninth missed to the right of the hole, a spectator was heard to shout: “Bad read, Billy!”

Horschel immediately glared round in the direction of the fan and, after composing himself and tapping in for par, he decided to give the guy a taste of his own medicine.

“There’s a reason why I’m on that side of the rope and you’re on that side,” Horschel hi back.

“I think my talent level’s just a touch better.”

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Watch the incident below…

Horschel, 34, has won three times on the PGA Tour and was the FedEx Cup champion in 2014. In little over a decade as a pro, he has made more than $26million in on-course earnings alone. “A touch better” indeed.

That said, Thursday wasn’t a particularly good day for the Florida man. He carded a two-over-par 74 to be eight shots off the early lead shared by Rory McIlroy and Corey Conners. 


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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