The Open: Danny Willett makes it a memorable day for assistant professional Nick Jennings
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 23/07/17 1:46pm
Danny Willett may have struggled this week but, by being first out on Sunday, he at least made The Open memorable for one fellow Yorkshireman.
Sheffield's 2016 Masters champion shot eight over par for his first three rounds at Royal Birkdale and, therefore, had the dubious honour of getting play under way on the final day.
And with an odd number of players left in the field, Willett teed off alongside a marker - a spare player brought in to help keep the rhythm of play.
The man fulfilling that role was Nick Jennings, an assistant professional at the host club, who was beaming with pride afterwards.
Jennings, who hails from York, said: "That was unreal. It's not often you get a chance to play your own golf course with a Masters champion and on the final day. And a guy from Yorkshire like myself.
"That's something very special. What an experience. It was awesome. I'm lost for words."
Jennings' turn to play came after colleague Gregg Pettersen undertook marker duties alongside South Africa's Shaun Norris on Saturday.
Pettersen had only found out he would be required late on Friday evening, but Jennings had a little longer to digest the news.
He said: "Gregg's been here 15 years and I've only been here two-and-a-half, so it had to go to Gregg first.
"So I'd known for about two days. I've had about three hours' sleep since. I'm ready for the Stella that's coming up in the bar now!"
Jennings, whose own hopes of qualifying for The Open ended at the regional qualifying stage, felt he did himself justice.
He said: "I was probably about nine over after I three-putted the last, which was a shame, but I'll take that.
"Danny was awesome. I asked if I should stay out of his way but he just said, 'No, let's play golf. Let's do it'. We broke the ice on the second hole as we walked down talking. It doesn't get any better."
Willett carded a final-round 71.
