Willett's anxious wait

The 25-year-old Moorgate-based ace put a disappointing first crack at the Open, when he failed to make the cut two years ago, behind him at Muirfield when his final day level-par 71 saw him climb up the final leader board.

It was enough for him to pocket over £62,000 for his efforts and put him in the world top-100 for the first time, in 97th place.

Willett will now keep an eye on the publication of this Sunday’s offical rankings. If no-one overtakes him — and few ranking points are currently on offer — then he’ll automatically get a maiden invite to the PGA Championship which this year takes place at Oak Hill in New York, starting on August 8.

Willett was delighted to get over the first hurdle at Muirfield. He started with a shaky 75 but a second round 72 saw him make the cut for the first time.

The weekend saw his card another 72 folled by a level par 71 to finish on 290.