Danny feels the heat in a family affair
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 was clearly affected by the furore following his brother Pete’s incendiary article attacking American golf fans.
As he walked off the course, captain Darren Clarke and assistant vicecaptains Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter had a lively discussion, with 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.
It’s hard not to feel a huge amount of sympathy for the blameless Yorkshireman and his mum and dad, who thought they would be feeling only pride out here 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’d been left so distraught they were going to fly home early but thankfully that is not the case. ‘I know they talked to Pete last night and I know how upset they have been left by it all, but they were out there supporting me today and that will continue to be the case,’ 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 out there 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. It’s the same thing for the Americans when they come to Europe. 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.’
The lack of focus was obvious as early as the second hole when a wild tee shot struck a spectator on the head and left him needing medical attention. Not the greatest start to the charm offensive.
Willett had played well in practice the previous day but here was a textbook example of the inestimable value of concentration, and how even the best players struggle when there’s an unwanted distraction.
Given Clarke had earmarked Willett to play at least four matches, Europe will be hoping the green jacket holder 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 a little more and we can all get on with what we’re here to do
‘I don’t expect it will be forgotten when the Ryder Cup gets under way, but hopefully we can sort of draw a line under it.
‘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. Ever since the Masters, where he earned some headlines with a few amusing tweets about their days growing up, Pete Willett (left) — 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.’