Very rarely is a reigning major champion benched for the opening session of a Ryder Cup, but Masters winner Danny Willett found himself in exactly that position at Hazeltine National on Thursday.
Though Willett was a notable absentee from the pairings for Friday’s foursomes matches, Europe captain Darren Clarke said his omission had nothing to do with the off-course furore sparked earlier in the week by the player’s brother, Pete.
“No, it’s a little bit of cat-and-mouse whenever you put pairings out together in practice rounds this week,” Clarke told reporters after announcing his four pairings for Friday to get the 41st Ryder Cup under way.
Willett said he called his brother to make clear his disappointment after the article came to light. Photo: AFP
“And certainly with regard to Danny, he will be playing tomorrow afternoon. He may well play four times, and his last match will be Sunday singles.”
