England’s talented Danny Willett has ruled out taking-up 2015/16 PGA Tour membership.
The current World No. 25 contested 10 PGA Tour events earning enough money after finishing third in the WGC – Cadillac Match-Play Championship and then T6th in The Open to earn ‘Affiliate Membership’.
However with a first baby due to his wife, Nicole and after discussions with his management team at ISM the Sheffield-born golfer, who turned 28 last Saturday, he elected to continue competing full time on the European Tour.
“No, I’m not going to take the PGA Tour card,” he said.
“I spoke to a lot of guys about it, Parky, Bjorn, Westy, guys who have been there, done it, seen both sides of it. Seen guys do it, as well.
Callaway star Danny Willett rules out moving to the PGA Tour … for the time being. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
“Obviously in terms of Ryder Cup points, staying in Europe is beneficial for myself.
“I’d like to have taken the card but think maybe just a year or two too early for me. Too difficult to up and move, and you’ve got to do it properly; do what Luke’s done and what Poults has done and have a proper base and that type of stuff.
“So I just think it’s not quite dropped on the right time. Hopefully we’re in the same position the next year or the year after and we’re able to make the decision yes or no.”
Willett will contest the first two rounds with Thomas Pieters and Shane Lowry and is part of a glittering field to mark the re-emergence of the British Masters, hosted by Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter on his home course.
The event also sees compatriot Luke Donald make his debut and 2007 champion and 2008 runner-up Westwood return, both of whom along with Justin Rose, the 2002 winner, are set to emulate Poulter as tournament host in the next three years.
The opportunity to play on home soil for only the second time this year at such a prestigious event is something Willett is relishing.
The Yorkshireman said: “It’s good. It’s what’s been needed for a couple of years. There was talk of putting it back on a couple years ago and that fizzled out and there was talk of this being on, and it’s pulled through and so far it’s been a great week.
“I think you need guys like Westy and Poults and Donald to show their enthusiasm.
“You need the guys who have been there and done it to support the events and to get them back going.
“I didn’t play in the Paul Lawrie Match Play this year but everyone said that was fantastic. You need the events and you need the guys to support it.
“We’ve got great sponsors in Sky Sports, obviously being the title sponsor this week, which has really pushed it as well. Along the media in front, a bit of a circus, everywhere you see, and that puts a different buzz on it again.
Willett is not only making his British Masters debut but also breaking into unknown territory by playing at Woburn for the first time.
“I haven’t played it,” he said. “It is supposed to be a good golf course. The weather is set now to be a miserable morning for the next couple of rounds here but then brighten up again the rest of the week which is needed, and apparently very wet yesterday.
“From whatever everyone’s said and the picture that has been posted, it looks immaculate. I’m looking forward to going out today and see what it’s like.”
