Ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, we hear from some of the big names involved in this week’s prestigious event.
Defending champion Byeong Hun An:
On his relationship with Wentworth Club…“I'll be part of the Wentworth ambassadors. I'm looking forward to it. It's a great honour for me to have that opportunity and to take it. It is such a wonderful golf course and has a lot of history to it.”
On his victory 12 months ago…“I just remember every single shot I hit on Sunday. I remember where my ball was and how I struck it. The memories are very clear.”
On the impact the 2015 victory had…“It was definitely life-changing. It got me into a lot of events and boosted my confidence that I could compete.”
British Masters supported by Sky Sports winner Matt Fitzpatrick:
On making his tournament debut…“I'm really looking forward to the week. Obviously everyone speaks so highly about this event. Being here and being around the place, you know that it's going to be a big event.”
On playing on home soil… “Certainly last year at Woburn – to have that home support there was fantastic. I could certainly feel it on the back nine when I started playing pretty well.”
Lee Westwood, who has twice been a runner-up in this event
On playing in front of British fans… “It's a big week for any European Tour player, but I think especially the ones from Britain. We don't play too many tournaments in front of home fans nowadays, and I guess after The Open Championship, this is the next biggest thing. It's nice to play in front of a home gallery and all those cheers. The crowds really get behind the home players this week.”
On his form coming in to the week…“I feel like my game is in good shape, and tenth was probably about the worst I could have done last week.”
On his 23rd consecutive Wentworth appearance…“It shows the sort of regard I hold the tournament in. I wouldn't want to miss this week. I've tried to play every year, which obviously I have done. It's somewhere where I love coming back to. It's nice of you to say it's 23 times. Shows how old I'm getting I guess. I've played more times than some of the other players have been on the planet.”
Masters Tournament champion Danny Willett
On arriving at Wentworth… “You get that feeling - we got to come in the front entrance this morning which was nice. And the resemblance of Magnolia Lane, driving down, the flowers are budding and the sun is shining; life's pretty good.”
On becoming a dad and Major champion within the space of a few weeks… “The little man's obviously been a big transformation, which has been fantastic. That in fairness with everything that's gone on, it's been pretty refreshing. You come home and the green jacket is hung up in the hallway, which is amazing but you've got nappy changing to do and getting him fed and bathed and make sure he sleeps well. It's been really, really crazy. You couldn't have put two better things within ten days of happening.”
On the chances of a British winner…“Hopefully we get more of the same this week where there's a few British lads up there contending and the crowds can get right behind them and hopefully get him over the line.”
