Willett to join pro ranks

Danny Willett, the top-ranked amateur in world golf, is to turn professional and will make his debut at next week's Wales Open.

World's top amateur will make pro bow at Celtic Manor

England's Danny Willett, the top-ranked amateur in world golf, is to turn professional and will make his debut at next week's Wales Open. The 20-year-old has already won titles in England, Spain and Australia and has impressed on the European Tour this season. He has already finished 19th in the Andalucian Open in March and tenth in the Spanish Open earlier this month. Willett revealed that his performances in those events had persuaded him to join the professional ranks. "I felt the time was right," he stated. "I felt comfortable playing in those events and didn't want to hang around and not take the opportunity now." The Yorksireman can now accept seven European Tour invitations for the remainder of the season and will hope to follow in the footsteps of Walker Cup team-mate Rory McIlroy by earning sufficient money in those events to avoid a trip to qualifying school.