YP Comment: Danny Willett and young Master's nerves of steel

Proud Yorkshireman Danny Willett did not just inspire the sport of golf with his fairytale win at the iconic US Masters. He captured the hearts of an entire country as millions stayed up late into the night to watch the ice-cool 28-year-old show nerves of steel to join the all-time greats, like Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Severiano Ballesteros and Tiger Woods, who have won the coveted green jacket.

Not even a payer as gifted as Rory McIlroy possesses this most elusive of garments after Willett, playing without fear after his wife Nicole gave birth to their first child Zachariah 12 days previously, pounced with ruthless precision when runaway leader Jordan Spieth imploded. Just the second Englishman in history to conquer Augusta’s contours, the other being Sir Nick Faldo, this win is one of the greatest ever performances by a Yorkshire competitor or team.

An inspiring win even more uplifting because it was so unexpected by everyone except Willett and his devotees, spare a thought for the golfer’s family from Sheffield who were going through mental torture as the tournament reached its denouement. They’re the ones who made the sacrifices when the future champion first picked up a club and needed ferrying to the lessons and tournaments that were to change his life. Their faith has now been repaid in abundance.

The Ryder Cup and Olympics now beckon for the wonderful Willett. And don’t forget young tyke Matthew Fitzpatrick, another proud son of Sheffield, who finished joint seventh at Augusta – the future of British golf looks very safe in the steel city’s hands.