Billy Horschel will fulfil a childhood ambition when he makes his BMW PGA Championship debut at Wentworth Golf Club this week.
The American revealed his affection for the event on twitter as Alex Noren carded a stunning 62 to win the inaugural Rolex Series title two years ago, but scheduling issues meant he did not get the chance to come over and play.
With the European Tour's flagship tournament now moving from May to September, Horschel will tee it up for the first time in Surrey in an event he admits he has watched since he was a child.
Arnold Palmer is the only American to lift the trophy in 1975 and Horschel would love to add his name alongside his countryman and European Tour greats such as Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, José María Olazábal and Colin Montgomerie.
Watching @BMWPGA this morning. Watched this event on tv since I was 13. Need to try and make it over to U.K. and play this great event!
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) May 25, 2017
"I'm excited," he said. "I've been trying to get over to Europe to play a few European Tour events over the last few years and unfortunately it hasn't worked in the schedule.
"This being one of the key ones, I grew up watching this event on TV. This event has always been a soft spot in my heart.
"When the schedule worked out with the new schedules on both tours and moved back to September compared to May, I was like, 'go ahead, sign me up. I'll be there'.
"I remember watching a couple of years ago when Alex Noren played an unbelievable final round to come from behind and win, Matteo Manassero, there's a lot of memories from this golf course and it's even better in person than it was on TV.
"It would mean a lot, not just for Arnie, but you think of the people that won this event. It's a historic event.
"It's comparable to our Players Championship - I feel like it's a Major on our tour and the European Tour feels like this is a Major for them on their tour. It's a very historic event, a lot of tradition.
"To be able to come over here and add my name to the trophy would truly mean a lot to me because for the other fact, it would show that I am a world player. I am a world class player and that I can go around the world and win at spots in the world, not just America.
"To be a world class player you have to be able to go outside your comfort zone and play in countries and courses you're not used to and play well and win. That's something I've always wanted to do and hopefully I can achieve."
