In the third round of the Open, comments were made by Sky Sports broadcasters regarding Billy Horschel’s wife, Brittany, and her struggle with alcoholism. Nevertheless, this was poorly received by online fans who deemed it inappropriate.
Horschel carded a 2-under 69 on Saturday, July 20, during the third round of the Open Championship, bringing his total to 4-under and securing the 54-hole lead. His performance included four birdies and two bogeys at Royal Troon.
Sky Sports provided some insight into Horschel’s background during the third round, including mentioning his wife Brittany’s battle with alcohol. Some viewers on X platform believed that discussing his wife’s past struggles was irrelevant to the broadcast.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions:
“May I ask @SkySportsGolf to tell us what Billy Horschel’s wife’s battle with alcoholism had to do with his leading at The Open ? An apology is due,” one fan wrote.
May I ask @SkySportsGolf to tell us what Billy Horschel’s wife’s battle with alcoholism had to do with his leading at @TheOpen?
An apology is due.
— stuart eastwood (@BwanaChelsea) July 21, 2024
“@SarahSkySports I’ve never heard such an insensitive comment about how Horschel had to “deal” with his wife’s alcoholism. Surely you meant to say he “supported”her over the years as it was her battle!” another fan posted.
@SarahSkySports I’ve never heard such an insensitive comment about how billy Horschel had to “deal” with his wife’s alcoholism. Surely you meant to say he “supported”her over the years as it was her battle!
— Sandra Mckie (@SandraMckie2) July 20, 2024
“Wtf was that from @SkySportsGolf bringing up Billy Horschel’s wife’s past problems then ended it with just goes to prove what billy has had to deal with in his career. Absolutely terrible,” this fan commented.
“How f****ng revolting of to start off talking about Billy Horschel by going on about his wife’s past alcohol issues like that. Absolutely no need for that at all. Classless.,” another user remarked.
“Sky TV making an issue out of Billy Horschel’s wife is dreadfully crass,” another fan posted.
“I don’t see the relevance in bringing up Billy Horschel’s wife’s battle with alcohol and its relevance to him leading @TheOpen . Irrelevant and tasteless,” this fan opined.
“I get emotional every time I talk about it” – When Billy Horschel spoke about his wife’s battle with alcoholism
In 2017, Brittany Horschel revealed her battle with alcoholism, and a couple of years later, her husband shared their journey on the Sky Sports Golf podcast.
“It’s tough, I mean I get emotional every time I talk about it,” he was quoted as saying by the Express. “It was something that my wife was dealing with for a lot longer than I realised.
“She’s done so well and is four years sober now. The saying goes one day at a time and she takes it that way. She has learned how to manage her anxiety, her stress levels, has dealt with depression”
He further mentioned that she has been a strong supporter in addressing addiction issues. Horschel and Brittany first crossed paths at the University of Florida, where they were both part of the golf team. They tied the knot in 2010 and now have three children.
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