Danny Willett ready to play through pain barrier in The Open

Danny Willett is hoping a week's rest will help him defy his back injury and produce a good performance in the 146th Open at Royal Birkdale.

The 29-year-old Yorkshireman has pulled out of three of his last five events due to the problem, including the US Open and Irish Open.

Willett was back in action when he played a practice round at Royal Birkdale on Sunday and was happy with the way it went, although he admits he may still need painkillers to get through the tournament.

"We've had a full week off resting with the back, so we'll see," said Willett.

"We've just played 18 and it didn't feel too bad. I'll play nine in the next couple of days and hopefully it'll be all right.

"We were always going to come and see how it was instead of pulling out early. It's the Open Championship. You need to come here, even if you have to get a few drugs inside you to get through the week. That's how it's going to go.

Live at the Open

"You never know [if it will be okay] until you go off on Thursday, but at the moment it feels all right."

Willett won The Masters last year but has now dropped to 40th in the world rankings after struggling with his form and fitness this season.

"I've had better spells," he said. "It's been one thing after another. I've had a little bit of injury then not swinging it great. Then, if you're not swinging it great, it doesn't help the body.

"I'm trying to click the reset button and get back to a few things that I know work."