UK expects golf boom

by Graham Otway

Danny Willett’s stunning victory in the Masters  could be the spark to light a new boom in golf  in the UK.

The Sheffield preacher’s son cashed in on an Amen Corner crash by Jordan Spieth to become the first Englishman since Nick Faldo 20 years ago to claim the Green Jacket.

There were a clutch of other English and European players in the top ten and that has put a broad smile on the face of  Tour chief Keith Pelley.

“Danny is part of an exciting generation of players,” said Pelley. “They are an inspiration to youngsters throughout the country.”

Pelley added: “It was a terrific performance by Danny.

“While it came as no surprise to those of us who know Danny, he showed the world what a great character he is, not only in terms of his skill and mental toughness, but also the way he handled himself in victory.

“To win at Augusta National on his wife Nicole’s birthday, and so soon after the arrival of his first child, is an unbelievable fairytale, and we are all extremely proud of him.”

Willett’s first Major triumph has come in the same week that GolfNow, the leading provider of online golf booking software in the UK and Ireland, has revealed record figures of interest in playing the game from casual golfers.

They regard the weekend after the Masters as the unofficial start of a new season and by Saturday, which they label as “Golf’s Opening Day”, they anticipate handling more than 14,000 requests to book rounds of golf.

That follows the 30 million rounds  they booked in 2015, which equates to one every second. Brian Smith, vice-president of GolfNow, told The Golf Paper: “Following the Masters there is a fantastic atmosphere in clubs up and down the country.

“We are on par to beat all records. The golf industry is going through a real boom period at present.”

UK fans wanting to watch Willett and other top home-grown players in action were yesterday offered a huge incentive at the British Masters which is to be played at The Grove in Hertfordshire.

Luke Donald, the Ryder Cup star and host of the tournament, announced on Sky that for the first day’s play on Thursday, October 13 a total of 20,000 tickets will be given away.

If you fancy a flutter on the British Masters, you can use the Ladbrokes promo code MAXSPORT to qualify for a betting bonus.

Tagged Danny Willett