Danny Willett the master again as he ends two years of agony with win at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai
Sheffield ace charged to a two-stroke victory at the DP World Tour Championship — 953 days after his last win earned him the coveted Green Jacket
DANNY WILLETT produced another Master-ful display to prove his Augusta triumph two years ago did not signal the end of his golfing career.
The Sheffield ace charged to a two-stroke victory at the DP World Tour Championship — 953 days after his last win earned him the coveted Green Jacket.
Willett, 31, admitted he wondered if he was already a has-been after injury and loss of form saw him plunge from ninth in the world rankings to a career low 462nd after missing the cut at Wentworth back in May.
But he took heart from the fact crippling back pain, that had dogged him for 18 months, had been cured by swing changes and an extensive physio routine.
And the son of a vicar had his prayers answered, as he held off current Masters champ Patrick Reed and the in-form Matt Wallace by two shots to become the EIGHTH English winner in the final 13 events on the Race to Dubai.
Willett, who is now back inside the world top 100, said: “I have been through some dark places to get back to this position and it means a hell of a lot.
“It validates everything I’ve done in terms of rehab and rebuilding my game.
“You get to appreciate that winning is a rarity because the competition is so tough. But I’ve done it six times now and I feel fortunate there have been big ones in that list.
“Augusta will always be extra-special but, after what I’ve been through, this one will go down as one of the most pleasing days of my career.”
A closing four-under-par 68 — the highlight a stunning birdie two on the dangerous par-three 17th — saw him finish on 18 under and land the £1.047million first prize.
The day started with Willett tweeting a picture of him and his wife Nicole in bed feeding their two young boys and finished with the four of them holding the trophy on the 18th green.
He added: “It was great to be able to draw on memories of that last round of the 2016 Masters when I was coming down the stretch.
“It’s been a long time since I found myself in this position. But you remember how your hands were shaking over six-foot putts at Augusta and how you got through it.
“I told myself if it wasn’t my day I’ve still got a great wife in Nic and two smashing little boys to go home to. We’ve all had a great time here this week but it just got even better.”
Willett’s knees were certainly knocking as his tee shot at the par-five 18th bounced towards the stream crossing the fairway and stopped inches short of the rocks.
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It was still in an awful spot and knowing he could afford a bogey six and still win, the temptation was to take a penalty drop and play safe.
But Willett took on the shot and blasted it to within 70 yards of the green to set up an easy par.
He grinned: “I took three wood off the tee knowing the area I’d be hitting into was a bit wider — which is just as well.
“I had no idea how it was lying and it was a nice little Brucie Bonus to see it dry.”
The other big winner was Open champion Francesco Molinari, who deservedly claimed the Race to Dubai title and the £973,500 bonus.
Last year’s champion Tommy Fleetwood finished tied 16th — and only a win would have been enough for him to deny his Moliwood mate.