European Tour Release
May 25, 2016: Masters Champion Danny Willett was presented with honorary life membership of the European Tour on Tuesday evening when nearly 100 players gathered at the BMW PGA Championship Reception.
Willett is preparing to make his first UK appearance since his wonderful victory at Augusta National in April, and will have an extra spring in his step after being given his silver membership card by European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley.
Defending champion Byeong Hun An of Korea also received two awards at the reception – the Sir Henry Rookie of the Year and the Challenge Tour Graduate of the Year – in recognition of his brilliant maiden season in 2015.
The cream of the European Tour will contest a €5million prize fund at Wentworth Club this week, including 2014 Ryder Cup stars Thomas Bjørn, Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Stephen Gallacher, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood.
“It’s a great honour to receive (honorary life membership). I found out a couple of weeks ago that I was going to get it. It’s amazing to be recognised by peers and the European Tour and by everyone. Everything that has happened over the last couple of months just makes you realise exactly what you have achieved. The European Tour is like a massive family, so to be recognised like this is very special. Winning a Major Championship is obviously great itself, but it is also everything that comes with it.”, said Danny Willett.
“When I play the course, I feel really comfortable and I know where to hit and where to not hit. It feels a bit different from going to other events, being defending champion and seeing my face everywhere. I feel really relaxed. The win was definitely life-changing. It got me into a lot of events and boosted my confidence that I could compete, and I did well in the Final Series last year. I was 133rd in the world before this week last year, and I’m 25th right now.”, said defending champion Byeong Hun An.
