Not many golfers in the world know more about keeping things in perspective than Danny Willett.
Like many great players before him, and there will be many more to follow, the Englishman’s rise to the summit of world golf, when he produced that unforgettable final day charge to win his first Major championship at the 2016 Masters, has been followed by a well-documented loss of form (not helped by niggling injuries) from which he still recovering.
Those in and around the game have little doubt that the 30 year old will soon make his way back to the very highest level. He is too good a player, and too hard a worker, to believe anything else.
Willett has certainly lived through the most extreme highs and lows that sport can offer, but even a man of his experience can still be inspired by putting life into perspective.
That was certainly the case in the Italian Open pro-am on Wednesday at the stunning Gardagolf.
Willett teamed up with three of Italy’s best Paralympic golfers – Alessandra Donati, Stefano Palmieri and Paolo Vernassa – and his experience was humbling and inspirational in equal measure.
“It was one of those days that just puts life into perspective when you see what this games does to bring people together,” smiled Willett.
“To see those guys playing good golf shots just makes it all worthwhile in many ways. It was inspiring and was just another lesson in keeping life in perspective.
“We golfers don’t know how lucky we are sometimes and to have the experience I did in the pro-am with Alessandra, Stefano and Paolo was one of those days where you step back, realise how fortunate we are.
“Stefano is blind and to watch him out there playing some great shots was just amazing. His friend was there to help line up his shots and we would try and help with distances and lines. Paolo had an artificial leg which obviously makes the game very difficult and then Alessandra has a rare neurological condition which affects her limbs and makes it very difficult for her to grip the club.
“We tried to make it as much fun as possible for the guys and we had a great time together. There were some good and bad shots from everyone – me included! – but the general feeling in the group was just pure enjoyment and appreciation throughout the day. It was very humbling.
“It’s just so cool that golf can bring anyone and everyone together, and yesterday was just the perfect example of the power our sport has to do that.”
