Inicio News Willett named Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month for April

Willett named Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month for April

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Danny Willett has been named the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month for April in recognition of his stunning victory in the Masters Tournament.

It is the third Hilton Golfer of the Month award for Willett already in 2016, following his success in January as a winning member of the victorious EurAsia Cup team, and February for winning the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The 28 year old became the first Englishman for 20 years, and seventh European in history, to win at Augusta National when he strode to a two-stroke victory over Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood in the season’s first major.

The triumph was the culmination of a wonderful 18 months for the Sheffield player, who notched two victories in 2015 – the Nedbank Golf Challenge and Omega European Masters – to push Rory McIlroy all the way in the Race to Dubai.

He came up just shy in second place, but continued to impress in 2016, winning in Dubai and taking third place in the WGC-Cadillac Championship before his brilliant performance to claim the Green Jacket a week after the birth of his son, Zachariah.

Willett will have another trophy to add to his cabinet after a panel of golf media unanimously voted him as the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month for April.

The winner of the monthly award usually receives an automatic upgrade to Diamond Status on HHonors, Hilton’s award-winning loyalty program. However, in recognition of his hat-trick this year and his extraordinary achievements, Willett receives a seven night stay at any Hilton hotel in the world, which was presented on Tuesday by Marcus Jansa, Hilton’s Director, Strategic Partnerships.

Willett’s compatriot Andrew Johnston took second place following his impressive victory at the Real Club Valderrama Open de España Hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation, while Shenzhen International champion Soomin Lee was in third place.

Willett said: “I’m delighted to win the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month award again. To win it once in a season is an honour, so to do it three times is very special.

“Obviously this one stands out a little more because it is for winning the Masters Tournament and my first Major Championship, so it is definitely an award which I will remember.”

Panel member Warren Humphries, the former European Tour winner and now golf commentator, said: “Danny’s performance over the back nine, especially playing the last four holes when he knew he had the chance to win the Masters, was outstanding.

“His coolness and confidence were incredible and the chip he played on the 17th was just brilliant. Without a doubt, he is the deserving winner of this award, and his play overall in the last 18 months has also been exemplary.”

Dom Boulet, also a player-turned-commentator, added: “I thought Andrew Johnston was also brilliant down the stretch in Spain – much like Willett – on a really difficult golf course where everyone was struggling.

“He played those last three holes brilliantly – it was very composed for a player going for his first win. He handled himself so well. Soomin Lee also produced a terrific performance, particularly as he had a three-shot lead in Malaysia with three holes to go before missing out. To have the confidence to come back again showed he is definitely a player who is going to be around for some time.”

Honourable mentions were also given to Branden Grace, who claimed his first title on the US PGA Tour at the RBC Heritage, and Joost Luiten, who had two runner-up finishes in April at the Open de España and the Shenzhen International.

Hilton, Official Supplier of Hotel Accommodation to The European Tour, is the Official Sponsor of the European Tour Golfer of the Month award, which recognises and rewards the best performances of European Tour members each month.