Danny Willett received a huge ovation Thursday afternoon on the first tee at Wentworth.
The reigning Masters champion didn’t disappoint the home crowd as the English hero opened with a bogey-free six-under par 66 and is one off the lead at the European PGA.
“It’s always nice to come back and play in front of the home crowds,” said Willet, who was right behind the lead trio of Joost Luiten, Scott Hend and Y.E. Yang. Willett is looking to rebound from his final round at the Irish Open where he failed to challenge eventual winner Rory McIlroy over the final 18 holes.
Two other English players got a boost from their home fans. Robert Rock opened with a 67 while former world’s No. 1 Luke Donald shot 68.
Defending champion Ben An found himself seven back of the leaders after opening with an even par 72.
