Billy Horschel and his wife, Brittany, celebrated an anniversary on May 21 far more important than any golf tournament the former Florida Gator may have won.
The eight-time winner on the PGA Tour posted a heartfelt and inspiring message marking Brittany’s 10 years of sobriety. Brittany went public about her battle against alcoholism one year after becoming sober and has used the couple’s platform to help and inspire others on the same journey.
Horschel, 39, started his post by checking off the time from the time Brittany achieved sobriety.
“315,569,520 seconds. 5,259,492 mins. 87,658 hours. 3,652 days. 521 weeks. 120 months. 10 years,” he wrote. “That is how long my best friend, amazing wife, caring and loving mother has been SOBER! It has been special to see this journey you have taken from the first photo when you are in rehab to the last photo this past weekend. It has not been easy or smooth sailing to see the person you are now but you have taken everything you have learned at rehab, have used those skills, developed more skills, taken it one day at a time and now have grown and evolved into who you are 10 years later.
Watch the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Fubo
“The journey and path is never over for someone in recovery but I know you are stronger than ever and will be able to tackle any challenge that may arise in the future. The kids and I are so proud of you! Keep going! One day at a time! We love you!”
The couple has three children.
Brittany went public with her addiction one year after seeking treatment and after Billy won the 2017 Byron Nelson.
“I am an alcoholic,” she wrote. “I say that now without shame. Admitting that to myself, family and friends, has saved my life and my marriage.”
Billy, who was born in Brevard County and lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, is competing in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, this week.
Brittany runs a website, The Sober Modern Mom. The couple has established the Horschel Family Foundation that operates on four core pillars: Healing. Hope. Honor. Health.
Billy Horschel has message for those struggling with addiction
Billy’s post included a message for anyone struggling with addiction:
“Let me say that life on the other side, the sober side … is amazing and achievable. I’ve seen it first hand with my wife but also with my other friends. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet so many amazing people over the last 10 years that are living a life like my wife. Sober. Happy. Enjoying life. And also telling me that they could never imagine life could be like this when they were in the thralls of their addiction. Sobriety is possible. You have to want it. Your loved ones can only do so much.”
He added there is an entire community available to anyone seeking help.
“There are millions of people who are living a sober life that want to help other people live sober. You have to ask for help. Whether it be loved ones or someone in the sober community. I’ve been lucky to be part of this community with my wife and it’s an amazing, loving, caring community. There is no judgment. Everybody’s ego is checked at the door. All they want is to help one another on their path of sobriety.
“Addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. You just have to want to be sober. Nobody can want it more than you. There are people out there wanting to help but you have to take the first step. Wishing everyone who is dealing with addiction that they find the path to sobriety.”
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Billy Horschel’s inspiring message about wife’s 10 years of sobriety
Reporting by Tom D’Angelo, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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