DANNY WILLETT, the new Masters champion, confirmed last night that he will not be taking part in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open later this year.
The 26-year-old Yorkshireman plans to stick to the schedule he laid out at the beginning of the season and that will spell disappointment for spectators at Castle Stuart in July.
“Danny is going to play in Ireland, the BMW PGA, France and Switzerland,” said Willett’s manager, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler.
“His schedule will remain the same as it was three months ago and, unfortunately, it doesn't include the Scottish.
“He won’t be distracted. Winning the Masters is the start of the journey.”
Willett was embraced by Sir Alex Ferguson at Augusta following his triumph on Sunday evening with the former Manchester United manager caught on camera telling him that he had lost £8000 by gambling on American golfer Jordan Spieth, who let slip a five-shot lead.
“I'm so delighted, honestly,” Ferguson said to the Liverpool supporter. “Happy to throw it away.”
Willett received even warmer words from another notable Scot, the former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, in the wake of his greatest victory to date. Gallacher is clear on what he expects from him in the months and years ahead.
“I think we have a star in the making in Danny,” he said. “He doesn’t seem to have a weakness in his game.
“This isn’t a one-off. He’s won tournaments before and he was number 12 in the world before the Masters.
“Jordan Spieth’s collapse on Saturday evening, when he had a bogey and double bogey in his final two holes really opened the door for about 15 guys the next day.
“Danny was one of those players within striking distance. He grabbed his chance and good luck to him.”
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