Willett powers into contention to lift title as host of tournament
This famous Ryder Cup venue has witnessed many historic scenarios but it has yet to see a person presenting the winner’s trophy… to himself. This is Danny Willett’s ambition for the weekend and, considering his penchant for the big triumph, the 18th green should perhaps prepare for yet more tinsel.
Willett, who for the second successive year is tournament host for the Betfred British Masters at the Belfry, was three over par after 12 holes in his first round and fearing an embarrassing missed cut.
Yet not only did the 34-year-old avoid the ignominy of being chucked out from his own party, he actually threatened to take control of the disco. With a seven-under 65, the best score of the week, he moved up to six under and within three shots of Germany’s Hurly Long, the halfway leader.
“I think we were 99th on the 16th green last night and then looked up there today and we were fifth,” Willett said. “It’s a pretty decent effort.
“I didn’t have to do anything last year as promoter, because Covid didn’t allow anyone in. But this time I’ve found myself pretty tired. It’s been an honour, really, and I’m over the fatigue now and it would be amazing to win the British Masters.”
Of course, Willett is more than used to fantasies coming alive. In 2016, he became the first British golfer to win the Masters – the one based at Augusta, Georgia – for 20 years and although his ranking has slipped outside the top 100, in the meantime he has still picked up prestigious trophies in the DP World Tour Championship in 2018, the BMW PGA Championship in 2019 and the Dunhill Links last October.
Long enjoys a one-shot lead over a group in second place including Scotland’s Richie Ramsay, with Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard a further shot back on seven under.
Defending champion Richard Bland missed the cut on one over, as did fellow Englishman Lee Westwood on two over.