DANNY: NO PAIN BUT MUCH GAIN
DANNY WILLETT hopes he has taken his first pain-free steps to a better year.
Willett contracted Covid-19 before undergoing two medical procedures in one operation last month to remove a hernia and deal with a crippling bout of appendicitis.
He missed last month’s US Open but the Yorkshireman no longer has to take painkillers for the first time since his appendix flared up.
Willett’s improved fitness showed as he started at Royal St George’s with a promising three-under 67. Now Willett hopes his year will improve considerably after coming tied 67th at the Rocket Mortage Classic in Detroit before missing the cut at the Scottish Open in the past fornight.
Willett said: “I sneezed on Saturday for the first time pain free and was **** ing delighted.
“This year has been a strange one. The hernia healed up all right, but the appendix, they basically tear your obliques to get there and it was really hurting. I’ll see what else 2021 brings – it might finish well.”
Willett has twice finished tied for sixth at The Open, including its most recent edition in 2019.
He is now delighted to be back on the leaderboard once more after the tournament was cancelled last year.
Willett added: “To have had this tournament without fans during Covid last year would have been a travesty.
“You need them back. They are the best fans in golf.”
Victory, and the first prize of £1.5million, would give Willett a chance of gate-crashing Europe’s Ryder Cup team for September.
He said: “If I am healthy I would be happy enough pegging it up against anyone.”
DARREN CLARKE enjoyed a hero’s welcome on his return to Royal St George’s.
Clarke won here in 2011 after shooting 68-68-69-70 for a five-under total.
The Northern Irishman started his bid a decade on with an opening 71 and got plenty of support from the 32,000-strong crowd.
Clarke said: “It was wonderful. The Open Championship is always special to play in.
“It’s even more special to win it and come back to the place where you’ve won it.
“The crowds were really kind and generous so it was a pleasure to be out there.”