Danny Willett will fulfil a career ambition when he makes his debut at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports this week.
The tournament makes its long-awaited return to the European Tour calendar for the first time since 2008, the same year Englishman Willett turned professional.
Witnessing the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els and Lee Westwood excelling in the event in the past whet the appetite of the 28 year old, who will now get his chance to follow in their footsteps at Woburn Golf Club.
The Omega European Masters winner said: “I haven't played. The first year I got my card, or I turned pro in 2008 and got my card. It was one of the ones you always wanted to play. It would have been just down the road from me at The Belfry.
“There's a lot of things that you remember. You remember seeing Monty, Seve and Ernie and everyone playing and competing and Westy obviously.
"I just think it's fantastic it's back on the schedule.”
Danny Willett
Willett, playing with Thomas Pieters and Shane Lowry in the first two rounds, is part of a glittering field to mark the re-emergence of the British Masters, hosted by Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter on his home course.
The event also sees compatriot Luke Donald make his debut and 2007 champion and 2008 runner-up Westwood return, both of whom along with Justin Rose, the 2002 winner, are set to emulate Poulter as tournament host in the next three years.
The opportunity to play on home soil for only the second time this year at such a prestigious event is something Willett is relishing.
The Yorkshireman said: “It's good. It's what's been needed for a couple of years. There was talk of putting it back on a couple years ago and that fizzled out and there was talk of this being on, and it's pulled through and so far it's been a great week.
“I think you need guys like Westy and Poults and Donald to show their enthusiasm.
“You need the guys who have been there and done it to support the events and to get them back going.
“I didn't play in the Paul Lawrie Match Play this year but everyone said that was fantastic. You need the events and you need the guys to support it.
“We've got great sponsors in Sky Sports, obviously being the title sponsor this week, which has really pushed it as well. Along the media in front, a bit of a circus, everywhere you see, and that puts a different buzz on it again.
“To be a young British lad obviously trying to break through properly, you need more events like this.”
Danny Willett
Willett is not only making his British Masters debut but also breaking into unknown territory by playing at Woburn for the first time.
“I haven't played it,” he said. “It is supposed to be a good golf course. The weather is set now to be a miserable morning for the next couple of rounds here but then brighten up again the rest of the week which is needed, and apparently very wet yesterday.
“From whatever everyone's said and the picture that has been posted, it looks immaculate. I'm looking forward to going out today and see what it's like.”
