Willett needs break first before new challenges

Danny Willett is ready to deal with the soaring expectations that come with a Masters green jacket, as soon as he gets round to picking up his clubs again.

Willett claimed his first major championship at Augusta earlier this month, seeing off Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood by three shots in a thrilling final round.

His life changed in an instant, with doors opening to the Olympics and the Ryder Cup this year as well as a career-best world ranking of number nine.

The 28-year-old Yorkshireman has also agreed to join the PGA Tour, which awarded him a five-year exemption on Tuesday lasting to the end of the 2020-21 season.

And when he takes the field at the Players Championship at Sawgrass on May 12 he will do so with a target, rather than a green jacket, on his back.

“People will look at you in a new way now, expecting you to be brilliant every time you peg up,” he said.

“You never know exactly how you’ll deal with that until you’re in the situation, but I know I’ll have to prepare really well to give myself the best chance to play well.”

And Willett is more than happy to ease himself into the challenge.

He has not hit a ball in anger since his dramatic triumph.

“You’ve got to give it a couple of weeks before you touch the clubs again. It’s been really nice to keep away from the clubs.”

Danny Willett is braced for new expectations.