6 | June 2017 #juniorgolfmag Visit us at juniorgolfmag.net BY MADELINE GORDON Billy Horschel Talks Fashion, Fans and Core Values PGA Tour Professional Billy Horschel has always been a gracious interview, as well as someone who is loyal to his sponsor-partners and devoted to his charitable organizations. A person who always stresses the importance of staying true to himself and his core values. That principle, coupled with his modest upbringing, has helped Billy to develop his superior work ethic. An early adopter of Twitter (@BillyHo_Golf), he has used the platform to promote his partners and update the public about his life and his golfing success. With that in mind, I contacted Billy about an article for Junior Golf. Despite his busy schedule, he happily obliged with the interview that follows. So join me in getting to know PGA pro Billy Horschel a little bit better. Madeline: You turned pro in 2009 and had your first PGA win at the Zurich Classic in 2013. How much of that time period was devoted to developing your brand or image? Horschel: Prior to the Zurich Classic, I focused mostly on my golf. You have to play well before you can begin to build a brand. My win exposed me as a player and person to a bigger fan base. I have always tried to refine my style and my image as a role model on and off the golf course. This is something I never stop doing. Madeline: How did your 2014 FedEx Cup Championship win change the dynamic in terms of brands and existing partners? Horschel: After the win, a lot of companies did come to us. But we were focused on getting the right fit because we try to build a family of partners that have the same values. We want partnerships that can last years. We look for respected industry leaders. We also look for unique products that I can get behind and really promote. For instance, when I talk about Zurich I feel like I am part of the company. I believe in the product. Madeline: When did you begin to appreciate the difference between a sponsor and a partner? Horschel: We align ourselves with partners and try to go above and beyond what the contract states. We are trying to create long-lasting relationships. Sponsors come and go, but partners always seem to be there for you. I see it as a fifty-fifty relationship. We both have responsibilities. I see it as more than monetary value. I want my relationships to last forever. Madeline: In 2013 you wore RLX Octopus pants at the US Open, and the photos went viral. Can you speak to that experience? Horschel: I got a call from Kelly Broad, the Director of Marketing and Player Development at Ralph Lauren, who handles RLX's tour players. She asked me, “Would you mind wearing octopus pants in the U.S. Open?” I said, “Sure, no problem.” I thought this was a style of pants, like a new cut. She sent me a picture and that's when I realized there were actual octopuses on them. My wife and I agreed that when I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it. So the decision was to wear them on Sunday. I had posted pictures of the pants, so my fans had already seen them. There was so much buzz going around. It was pretty insane, and they sold out of all the shorts and pants at the merchandise tent and online even before I teed off on Sunday. It was surreal, like something I could never imagine. Now it has become my tradition to wear specially designed RLX clothing for all the Majors. It has been a fun trip for the last four or five years. Madeline: When you were playing junior golf, were you conscious of what you were wearing? Horschel: I’ve always been into the motto of “Look good, play good.” On and off the golf course, I am a fanatic. I can’t stand going out with wrinkled pants or shirts. I think it's important to have an image where, when people see you, they respect you. When I was younger, I’m sure I made some color selections that didn't really work that well. I've gotten better since my association with RLX. Billy Horschel is both a family man and an intense competitor