Masters champion the pick of Europe’s Ryder Cup debutants
Published:
After suffering the slide in form often associated with first-time major winners, Masters champion Danny Willett has rediscovered his mojo at a very handy juncture indeed, both in terms of his wallet and Europe’s Ryder Cup chances.
Following his Green Jacket heroics, Willett went through June, July and August without placing above 37th, taking in the three majors.
However, September has witnessed the Sheffield native awake from his summery slumber and hand in some eye-catching scorecards.
He began the month with a tie for 12th in the Omega European Masters, opening with a 65 and closing on a 64.
Proving his swing was fully back in the groove, Willett followed that impressive return to form with a runner-up finish at the Italian Open just last week, finishing 21-under-par.
The Englishman’s last five rounds now read 64, 66, 64, 67, 66 with just eight days to go until the Ryder Cup.
For his troubles Willett now leads the Race to Dubai standings approaching the end of the season, which could yet see the Yorkshireman pocket the $1.5m winners purse.
He’s also the 3/1 favourite to be the highest-scoring European debutant when Darren Clarke’s Blues travel to Hazeltine National to take on the USA.
Given his timely return to his major-winning best, the 28-year-old is far more likely to be given more exposure across the foursomes and fourballs for Europe, than some of the other rookies.
This is another very strong boon to the chances of the first British Masters winner in 20 years clocking up the most points of his fellow debutants.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
