The Grove, Watford, England …
Masters champion Danny Willett’s withdrawal before tee-off in today’s commencing British Masters at The Grove club near Watford has come as a body body to his British fans.
Willett, 29 was due to tee-up at 12.35pm local time alongside fellow Englishman Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and in-form Swede Alex Noren.
A European Tour official indicated Willett had complained of back problems during Wednesday’s Pro-Am.
Four days ago Danny Willett was all smiles helping his caddy/amateur parter, Jonathan Smart capture the team event at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
Willett’s withdrawal led to South African Justin Walters, as first reserve, making his way into the £3m event and taking the place of the Augusta National winning hero.
Willett returned to competition at last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship following an indifferent European Team effort on debut a week earlier in the Ryder Cup.
But the current World No. 9 struggled poorly in Scotland missing the third round cut with scores of 73, 73 and 76.
Willett’s only bright note last week was teaming with Masters winning caddy, Jonathan Smart to win the pro/amateur team event.
Willett’s withdrawal from the British Masters also robs the event of its highest world ranked player and with Noren, currently ranked 26th , now filling that role.
And Willett’s exit comes after Justin Rose withdrew just prior to the event citing an on-going back injury he first suffered earlier this year in the PGA Tour’s Players Championship.
