Danny Willett likes idea of presenting British Masters trophy to himself

Tournament host Danny Willett has designs on presenting the trophy to himself after surging into contention for the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry.

Willett was three over par after 12 holes of his first round and feared making an early exit from the event before having to return on Sunday evening to hand the silverware to the winner.

Two late birdies meant the former Masters champion eventually signed for an opening 73 and he carried on where he left off on Friday, making eight more birdies and a sole bogey on the ninth, his final hole of the day.

“Today felt like myself (playing), yesterday felt like my brother,” joked Willett, whose 65 gave him a total of six under par, three shots behind halfway leader Hurly Long.

“I wasn’t quite expecting that. I giggled to myself, I think we were 99th on the 16th green last night and then looked up there today and we were fifth. It’s a pretty decent effort.”

It was a doubly impressive performance from Willett given his numerous hosting duties, with last year proving far easier due to the absence of spectators because of coronavirus restrictions.

“I didn’t have to do anything last year apart from a lot of Zoom calls,” Willett added. “I had a lot of spare time last year, no one here for pictures and that sort of stuff and I think it does make a difference

“I found myself pretty tired Wednesday night, Thursday morning and then that five hours on the golf course is the time when you’re in your own little box, kind of the quiet place this week.

“It would be amazing to win the British Masters regardless of whether you’re hosting or not. It’s a big event, there’s been some great winners, some great hosts.

“But to be able to pass myself the trophy would be a pretty cool experience.