As the opening round of the Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry got underway, gusts of up to thirty miles per hour surged across the Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass. Billy Horschel was not expecting the typical sunshine and heat of the Florida swing; instead, he was expecting cloudy conditions. However, the competition was intensifying as 163 players from the PGA TOUR, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA TOUR Americas fought for a spot in the 2024 season.
However, the competition was intensifying as 163 players from the PGA TOUR, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA TOUR Americas fought for a spot in the 2024 season. Seven-time PGA TOUR winner Jack Horschel was on hand to follow Marcus Byrd, the star of “The Turn: Q-School presented by Korn Ferry,” around the grounds. Horschel updated his social media during Byrd’s round on X, which was once known as Twitter.
“And he’s gone!” Come on, @Mbyrd1017! #QSchoolFinals, #APGA_Tour, #PGATOUR, @KornFerryTour, and an enthusiastic Horschel shared a video of Byrd beginning his Final Stage journey.
He went on “Birdie opportunity on the 10th. His 1st hole. Just misses. Tap in par. @APGA_Tour @PGATOUR @KornFerryTour #QSchoolFinals”
At the Billy Horschel APGA Invitational, sponsored by Cisco, hosted at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, the 26-year-old Byrd finished third in 2021 and second in 2022. In addition, Byrd, who was chosen as the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption winner, received a berth at this year’s Genesis Invitational and practiced alongside Horschel at Riviera Country Club early in the week.
“He informed me that he believes I have what it takes to play on the PGA TOUR and that I should never hesitate to ask for help. Additionally, he’s been an amazing role model and mentor. We seem to share a lot of traits, including our tenacity, willingness to win at all costs, and tendency to play with our hearts on our sleeves.” Byrd noted at The Genesis Invitational, during his first start.
Horschel has been monitoring Byrd’s progress all the way to the Final Stage. He participated the next week at The Honda Classic and won the right to make two more TOUR outings later in the summer (Wells Fargo Championship and John Deere Classic).
It was at my first APGA Tour tournament three years ago that I got to know Marcus [Byrd]. He’s a decent man all around. possesses a great deal of skill and game, just like many other players on the APGA Tour. I always make an effort to support him as much as I can. When I’m performing well, I text him, and occasionally he gets in touch with me and asks for guidance. Marcus is such a wonderful young man. His backstory is really interesting. He was a successful collegiate golf player. However, as many guys discover when they go pro, they’ll have to pinch every penny to make it work if they don’t have sponsors in place or family and friends who can afford to assist them. Marcus is among those guys, too.” Horschel remarked during Byrd’s opening round tee-off.
Before his first round, Horschel had a meeting with the 2022 APGA Farmers Insurance Fall Series winner. He gave them advice and a pep talk while they were walking to his first tee.
“You have no excuse for not playing well. Among the most gifted guys here is you. It’s entirely your game. All you have to do is unwind. Like other APGA events, it seems. At the end of the day, it’s just you and the golf field, even though there are higher stakes involved.” As they neared the tee, Horschel started walking step by step with Byrd.
Horschel covered every shot of Byrd’s first nine while he battled the weather, giving his 212,000 followers on X comprehensive coverage. Ever since it was revealed that Final Stage would take place at TPC Sawgrass, he had made plans to attend.
“I was cheering for Q-School and Wille Mack, who were both in Second Stage, as soon as I found out they were here. Marcus is here, so even though Willie almost missed it, I wanted to show my support for him this week. And just be a welcoming face that knows you are rooting for him and keeping an eye on him.” stated Horschel.
Byrd finished birdie-par-birdie in the strong gusts and signed for a 4-over, 74 at Dye’s Valley. With everything still to play for and status reliant on the final finishing position come Sunday, the 20-foot birdie putt that he made to close up his round acted as a momentum builder for the remainder of the week.
In the fierce gusts, Byrd signed for a 4-over, 74 at Dye’s Valley, finishing birdie-par-birdie. The 20-foot birdie putt he hit to close up his round served as a momentum booster for the rest of the week, with everything still up for grabs and status dependent on the final placing come Sunday. The top 40 finishers and ties will have guaranteed starts on the Korn Ferry Tour, while the top five finishers and ties will gain membership on the PGA TOUR for 2024. Horschel remains optimistic about his friend as a plethora of eligibility possibilities will be tested this week in windy conditions at Sawgrass Country Club and TPC Sawgrass’s Dye’s Valley Course.
“He has a large heart. He enjoys having fun. He is resolute. He is a rival. The more people hear about players like Marcus and other guys who are attempting to break onto the PGA TOUR, the more admirable their stories become when you realize what they are putting themselves through.” Horschel said.
