Skip to content

Danny Willett apologises for brother's controversial Ryder Cup article

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Danny Willett criticises his brother after he wrote an article attacking Team USA and their fans ahead of the Ryder Cup

Danny Willett has apologised to USA captain Davis Love III for anti-American comments written by his brother in a magazine article just days before the Ryder Cup.

Watch the Ryder Cup on NOW TV
Watch the Ryder Cup on NOW TV

Get a NOW TV Week Pass for £10.99. No contract

Willett's brother Pete criticised the culture of the American fans and also mocked Love's players in his piece, which caused controversy at Hazeltine on Wednesday.

European captain Darren Clarke was unhappy with the timing of the piece and insisted the views of Pete Willett were "not reflective of Team Europe", with Danny also quick to criticise the content of his brother's work.

Danny Willet of Great Britain gestures during a practice round ahead of 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course in Chaska, Minnesota, September 28
Image: Willett is one of six Ryder Cup rookies in Darren Clarke's team this week

"It's just disappointing, firstly to write it and to come out of with it during Ryder Cup week," Danny Willett told Sky Sports. "I have spoken to him and said it was a bad article written at a bad time.

"It doesn't reflect what myself, the team or captain Clarke thinks about players or fans, or anyone for that matter.

Live Ryder Cup Golf

"It was disappointing that I was associated with it. You don't want people to think badly of yourself."

Love told reporters he was refusing to read and pay attention to the comments written in the article, with Willett keen to move on and enjoy a maiden Ryder Cup appearance.

Also See:

Coltart: Added fuel to the fire
Coltart: Added fuel to the fire

Andrew Coltart is amazed at the ill-timed article written by Danny Willett's brother

"Obviously I had the best week of my life a few months ago and that was in front of a fantastic American crowd," Willett added. "I feel like they took me under the wing pretty well going down that back nine.  

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke says he and Danny Willett are very disappointed with the article

"I immediately went off the golf course and had a good chat to Davis about it. I apologised in the hope we can draw a line under it and get back to what is a fantastic golf tournament."

Watch every minute of the Ryder Cup, plus Premier League football and the Malaysia Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price!

Live Ryder Cup Golf