Relieved Willett set to make his major debut at Whistling Straits

The 22-year-old Sheffield-born golfer, who plays out of Rotherham Golf Club, has earned his place in the elite field by climbing into the world's top 100.

Despite only turning professional two years ago, the 2007 Yorkshire Amateur champion is currently ranked 85 but was still unsure whether the PGA of America would extend him an invite to the final major of the year, which takes place at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, from August 12-15.

The top 100 players usually get the nod, but with Willett having no previous major experience and the fact that he is not playing the Irish Open this week which could see significant shifts in the world order, he was beginning to fear he would be overlooked.

"It was a big relief when I got the call this morning saying I was in," Willett told the Yorkshire Post. "I thought I would have had the invite by now. They didn't tell us for quite a while and with no definite closing date I was starting to get a bit worried.

"Having missed out on Open Championships in the past I thought I might miss out again.

"This weekend was going to be a case of checking the scores and worrying where so-and-so is in the world rankings and whether this guy can overtake me.

"Fortunately I don't have to worry about that now.

"It's fantastic news, I'm really happy. It's nice to finally get into a major.

"And I'm pleased that I've earned it as well through

getting into the top 100," added Willett.

Five top-10 finishes this year, including a fifth-place at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, have helped Willett build on an encouraging rookie season.

A place in the season-ending Dubai Woirld Championship is also assured thanks to his form on the European Tour, but this ascension to the major grade is the undoubted highlight of his first two years on tour.

"I don't yet know much about Whistling Straits," he admitted. "I've spent most of the morning on the internet researching the course.

"It looks awesome. I'll head out there on the Sunday and have a couple of practice rounds and just go out there and enjoy the experience."

Cleckheaton's Georgina Simpson tees off this afternoon in the Women's British Open at Royal Birkdale.