Danny Willett ropes wife Nicole in to be his caddie at UK Championships to spend some quality time together
DANNY WILLETT has found the solution to spending months away from wife Nicole – by roping her in to caddie for him at The Belfry.
Nicole will carry the former Masters champion’s bag for the first time when the UK Championship tees off on Thursday – apart from wearing the famous white boiler suit at Augusta and carrying a couple of wedges and a putter in the par three shoot-out.
She says his tour bag is a lot heavier.
But with Willett heading back to the States shortly for at least four more events, including the US Open and the Masters, spending time together is not easy.
Willett explained: “This week is one where I said, you know what, my wife and I haven’t had more than two hours alone in seven months, especially with me playing so much in America since the PGA Tour came out of lockdown.
“So I decided we’d use this week to have a bit of time together on our own.
“With everything being pretty strict over here inside the ‘bubble’ I thought it would be a good decision to have her here.
“OK, we’ve got company when I’m playing. But we’ve got a lovely room overlooking the putting green here, and the kids are with the grandparents, so we will get plenty of ‘alone’ time.”
WILLETT’S DEBUT
Willett’s wife will be replacing the caddie who was best man at their wedding, Sam Haywood, who welcomed the chance to spend some time with his own family after his long stint in the US.
The Belfry is hosting a European Tour event for the first time since the British Masters was last held here in 2008.
But Willett’s memories of the course are restricted to a trip to the 2002 Ryder Cup as a 14 year old.
He recalled: “I’ve never played this course before. I came here to watch the practice rounds for the Ryder Cup 18 years ago with a load of other junior golfers, and that’s it.
“I’ve obviously seen it a bit on TV and read a little bit, but nothing much. So I’ve picked up the yardage books this morning, and we’re going to go play 18 holes to see what it’s like.”
Fellow Englishman Lee Westwood will be able to call on more course knowledge than most.
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He helped Europe to victory in that 2002 Ryder Cup, and won the 2007 British Masters here before losing out in a play-off the following year.
He said: “I’ve got tons of great memories from this place. I was here watching Seve in the 1993 Ryder Cup – I’m sure there’s a picture of me stood behind him somewhere.
“It’s great to be back. Hopefully, knowing the course so well will prove an advantage.”