Oh brother! Danny’s left on sidelines
DANNY WILLETT admitted he was struggling to concentrate yesterday and sadly, in his final practice round before the Ryder Cup, it showed.
The Masters champion was hitting it sideways and clearly affected by the furore following his brother Pete’s article attacking American fans.
As he walked off the course, captain Darren Clarke and assistant vicecaptains Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter had a lively discussion, the inference being it was about whether Willett was in the right frame of mind to take his place alongside Lee Westwood in this morning’s opening foursomes. And indeed, his name was absent when Clarke named his foursomes pairings last night. Thomas Pieters partners Westwood instead. It is hard not to feel a huge amount of sympathy for the Yorkshireman and his mum and dad, who thought they would be feeling only pride out this week, not embarrassment. One a former teacher and the other a retired Church of England vicar, these two friendly souls have been left mortified by the distasteful turn of events. American Patrick Reed suggested they had been left so distraught they were going to fly home early but thankfully that is not the case. ‘I know they talked to Pete and I know how upset they have been left by it, but they were out there supporting me today and that will continue,’ said Willett. As for the reaction of the crowd, Willett’s coach Pete Cowen said they were all prepared for the worst. ‘We’re fully aware he’s now got a target on his back,’ said Cowen.
How nice to report, therefore, that the huge audience who turned out yesterday, for the most part, rose above it all. ‘There were a few shouts but you can expect that,’ said Willett.
‘I don’t think any of the European team here thought it would be a walk in the park. There’s some pretty rowdy American fans at every Ryder Cup. As for myself it has been difficult to focus since it happened, and especially this morning. It’s just unfortunate. It’s supposed to be a special week as a rookie.’
Willett had played well in practice the previous day but here was a text- book example of the inestimable value of concentration, and how even the best players struggle when there is an unwanted distraction.
Given Clarke had earmarked Willett to play at least four matches, Europe will be hoping he can rediscover his sense of purpose quickly.
‘I’m off for an hour on the range now and then to get suited and booted for the opening ceremony, followed by a night’s rest and get ready for the action,’ said Willett.
‘Hopefully by then it’s all died down and we can all get on with what we’re here to do. It has tarnished my first Ryder Cup but it’s important we don’t let it tarnish the 41st Ryder Cup.’
When he gets home, Willett plans to have a proper conversation with his brother. Since the Masters, where he earned some headlines with a few amusing tweets, Pete Willett, a drama teacher by profession, has wanted to break into the writing trade.
Nothing wrong with that, of course, except when what he writes affects his brother’s career. Still, Danny Willett showed a nice line in perspective when asked whether the controversy would impact on the quality of his brother’s Christmas present. ‘Family’s family,’ he said, smiling. ‘What he said was wrong and incredibly illtimed, but he is still my brother.’