• World rankings

Horschel relieved to 'finally' land first title

Billy Horschel has been one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Norman labels golf's drug testing 'disgraceful'
  
• News: Horschel victorious, Guan ends on low note
  
• News: Rumford ends title drought
  
• News: Lawrie attacks 'joke' pace of play
  
• Profile: DA Points

Billy Horschel is glad to have broken his PGA Tour duck after backing up three consecutive top-10 finishes with his first victory at the Zurich Classic.

The 27-year-old earned his victory the hard way, rolling in a 27-foot putt at the 18th at the end of a rain-delayed final round in New Orleans to finish 20 under par, one shot clear of DA Points.

"This is something that I've wanted since I turned pro," said Horschel, who leaps into the world's top 50 after his win in New Orleans. "I've always felt that I was good enough to win out here. I just felt I had to check every box.

"Some guys get out here and win right away. Other guys, it takes longer for them to get to that process.

"This whole week I felt like I'm going to get my victory here. I felt like, you know, it's got to be sooner or later, and thank God I finally won."

Horschel had tied for second in Houston, tied for third in San Antonio and tied for ninth at Hilton Head Island in his three previous tournaments as well as making a PGA Tour-leading 23 straight cuts, but had never come closer to winning a tournament.

"I played well. It just wasn't my time," Horschel said of his recent run. "It was nice that today was my time."

World rankings: 1. Tiger Woods (USA), 2. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 3. Adam Scott (AUS), 4. Justin Rose (ENG), 5. Luke Donald (ENG), 6. Brandt Snedeker (USA) 7. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), 8. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 9. Steve Stricker (USA), 10. Matt Kuchar (USA), 11. Phil Mickelson (USA), 12. Lee Westwood (ENG), 13. Keegan Bradley (USA), 14. Sergio Garcia (ESP), 15. Ian Poulter (ENG) 16. Charl Schwartzel (RSA), 17. Bubba Watson (USA), 18. Webb Simpson (USA), 19. Dustin Johnson (USA), 20. Jason Dufner (USA).

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.