‘Useless idea’ to play golf under floodlights

MASTERS champion Danny Willett (pictured) has given short shrift to the suggestion that a regular tournament could be played under floodlights.

Chief executive Keith Pelley said yesterday the European Tour would “definitely” stage a floodlit event of some kind next year after experiencing the possibilities first hand at the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort, which is hosting this week’s Turkish Airlines Open.

“I played six holes under the lights the other night and it was spectacular. It was incredible,” Pelley said.

“There was a little three-hole match with Haydn Porteous and Brandon Stone and we will definitely do something live under the lights next year.

“I think you would get buy-in from 95% of the actual players. It is different though with the shadows and, if somebody’s eyesight is not 100%, then they might push back. However, we will definitely have a competition for money under the lights next year.”

Asked if a full tournament could eventually be staged at night, Pelley added: “I would say nothing is impossible. It gets dark at six so I don’t know. Anything is possible.”

Willett did not share Pelley’s enthusiasm. The 29-year-old feels the floodlights would result in difficult conditions, mainly in reading the greens.

“That would be a useless idea,” Willett added.

“It would be OK for a giggle but not for a real tournament and Race to Dubai money.”

Meanwhile, Masters champion Willett believes he is close to rediscovering his best form after an encouraging first round in the £5.7 million Turkish Airlines Open.

Willett, who needs to finish outright fifth or better in Antalya to regain top spot in the Race to Dubai, carded a two-under-par 69 to end the day five shots behind South Africa’s George Coetzee.

“I hit some great iron shots but am still struggling for consistency with the ball flight off the tee that cost me a few silly shots,” said Willett, who carded six birdies but double-bogeyed the 10th after finding water off the tee.

“It’s a lot better than it has been and it’s a lot more positive. To be honest, after the last few weeks anything would have been good but things are going in the right direction and my best is not far off.

“Last week I could have quite happily not played the last three rounds after the start we had. I could not see things going correctly.

“But I’m working hard, doing everything right and that’s all you can do in this game. I have three weeks to try and do something special and I need to make some headway.”

VETERAN Australian Rod Pampling carded an opening-round 60 to tie the course record at TPC Summerlin and take the clubhouse lead in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Pampling’s 11-under par put him ahead of John Huh and Ryder Cup player Brooks Koepka, who are both two shots back.