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Arnold Palmer Invitational: Fan Heckles Horschel After Missed Putt

By Dalton Finkbeiner

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 16: Billy Horschel of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the final round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 16, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Keane/Getty Images)
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 16: Billy Horschel of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the final round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 16, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Keane/Getty Images) /
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Fans are back on the grounds at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and one of the spectators made headlines on day one of play after a verbal jab was directed at Billy Horschel.

The 32nd ranked player in the world was visibly frustrated during opening round and arrived at the Par 4, 9th hole at one over par. While attempting to hole a long birdie try, Horschel heard it from a fan after his putt drifted offline.

The verbal spat with a spectator represented an up and down round for the 34-year old. Horschel carded a two-over round of 74 with two birdies and four bogeys. It was a particularly tough day for Horschel on the greens. He finished the day with a -2.4 figure in the Strokes Gained Putting category.

The proud University of Florida alum arrived at Bay Hill fresh off a fantastic week at the WGC-Championship at The Concession. Horschel finished the tournament in a tie for second place at 15-under, three shots behind the winner, Collin Morikawa. It was his best finish on tour since a solo 2nd place at the Wyndham Championship last August. He has enjoyed a strong start to the 2021 season. The product of Grant, Florida has played five events so far this year, making the cut in four of them and posting two top ten finishes.

The Florida swing represent an important stretch of golf for the 2014 FedEx Cup Champion. Horschel is attempting to qualify for his first ever USA Ryder Cup team this year. He is currently on the outside looking in, sitting at 17th on the Ryder Cup points list, and would need a captains pick to make the team. With the Players Championship next week and the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play later this month, Horschel has the opportunity to pick up some much needed Ryder Cup points before the Masters in April.

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