PGA Tour star goes full Happy Gilmore after making seven birdies in a row

Billy Horschel capped a remarkable third round at Wentworth on Sunday by mimicking the putting style made famous by the iconic Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore on the 18th green

Billy Horschel enjoyed a Saturday to remember at Wentworth, carding seven consecutive birdies as he surged into contention at the BMW PGA Championship – and he finished his round by channeling his inner Happy Gilmore.

Horschel carded a sensational seven-under-par 65 in Surrey, moving into a share of second place alongside Rory McIlroy at 15-under, three shots adrift of leader Matteo Manassero.

It could have been even better for Horschel, who saw a short eagle putt at the last lip out, spurning the chance to take second place outright. But the miss did nothing to affect his mode, with the American grabbing his putter in the style made famous by the beloved 1996 Adam Sandler movie and tapping in his birdie putt.

The film is based on a wannabe ice hockey player who turns his hand to golf, holding his putter with the same grip as a hockey stick. A long-awaited sequel is in the works, and Horschel, 37, delighted fans with his cheeky conclusion to his round, having delivered plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

Horschel started his third round at eight-under-par, five shots back from overnight leader Matthew Baldwin. The Florida native – an avid West Ham United supporter and the 2021 champion at Wentworth – was level par for the day through seven holes before he reeled off an incredible stretch to put him in with a shout of victory on Sunday.

He birdied every hole from eight to 14, making a huge leap towards the top of the leaderboard. A frustrating bogey ended his run at the 15th, but he repaired the damage with a birdie at the signature par-five 18th.

"The hole looked like the size of the Atlantic Ocean," Horschel joked after his round. "I made some long putts, and had some close ones, as well. It was pretty special."

Horschel played alongside Manassero and McIlroy, with all three carding stellar scores. The Italian took the tournament lead with a magnificent 63, while McIlroy was neat and tidy with a 66. Horschel says the trio fed of each others' momentum.

"Matteo got off to a really good start. Made a run there in the middle of the round. After my bogey on No. 7, I got started. We were all feeding off each other. Rory could easily have shot two or three better. He hit some putts there at the end that could easily have gone in.

"Really good round of golf with two really good guys and looks like we're going to be grouped together again tomorrow."

Horschel is no stranger to come-from-behind victories at Wentworth, shooting a seven-under-par final round to wipe out a two-shot deficit and claim victory in 2021. He believes he can repeat the trick on Sunday.

"I look back all the time, especially when I start coming over here," Horschel said. "Tonight I'll reminisce a little bit. But I know it's going to be a shootout tomorrow. I don't know how bad the weather is going to be but the leaderboard is tight. No one is running away with it. So you have to come out and play some really good golf to try to hoist this trophy again."