News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Danny-Willett-main_article_image.jpg
Entertainment

Vicar's son wins one of golf's biggest prizes

The 28-year-old Brit beat off competition from favourites Rory McIlory and Jordan Speith to claim the trophy.

In mastering the course at Augusta, which includes the aptly named 'Amen Corner' holes, he takes away a cheque for $1.8m.

His victory came as a shock for many with the relatively unknown golfer only making the top 100 rankings a year ago.

"It's awesome," Willett told CBS.

"We played great golf today. It's been a fantastic week.

"We had to go out and shoot a good score and put a little pressure on and luckily we have done that."

PA
PA

Danny Willett has previously spoken openly about his faith but in an interview recorded by the Daily Express he distanced it from golf.

"I am a Christian - I was brought up in a Christian family - but a lot of the Americans take it slightly over the top at times," said Willett. "I think He has bigger things to deal with than whether I shoot 65 or not at the US PGA.

Referring to his dad's role in the Church at the start of his career, he said: "My dad's job is a pretty stressful one, so he isn't coming over to watch. His blood pressure is high enough as it is - watching me play might give him a heart attack!

Speaking on Premier's News Hour, Revd Stephen Willett - who's now retired, told of his pride in his son's achievements.

He said: "I believe very seriously in the favour of God and that's what's happening.

"In the last two years he's played out of his socks and I think God is honouring him for being an honourable man."

Willett very nearly didn't take part in the event due to the impending birth of his first child.

His wife Nicole gave birth to Zachariah early, meaning he didn't have to stick to his initial plans of missing the tournament to be with her.

Listen to Stephen Willett speaking to Premier's Hannah Tooley:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate