Danny Willett shows the way at The Open
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England’s Danny Willett thrust himself into the St Andrews limelight and emerged an ultra-serious Claret Jug contender today.
The three hours plus delay while the Old Course was being rid of heavy overnight rain didn’t affect the masterful Willett in the slightest.
Oozing with confidence after his 1st round 66, Willett simply carried on where he left off.
In his press conference after his impressive opening round showing, he expressed that he now has the belief in his ability and that he can match –and beat – the best in the game. And you could sede that coursing through his veins today.
He was on fire and after a glorious front nine of 33, swiftly followed by his fourth birdie on the 10th, he looked on a mission….and full value for his three-shot lead over overnight pacesetter Dustin Johnson – stuck kicking his heels in the clubhouse until his 5.58pm tee-time.
After the overnight storms, Willett took full advantage of the surprisingly – and unexpected – mild conditions though Johnson – and the rest of the late starters – may not be so lucky when they eventually come out to play: the wind is forecast to pick up and that could well blow away the chances of a number of players currently high on the leaderboard.
If Willett can maintain his form, composure and, above all, patience on his remaining holes- all played into a gradually increasing wind – he’ll be firmly and squarely in the boxseat and on course to achieving the impossible dream…
