Betfred British Masters host Danny Willett’s performance at The Belfry during this week’s tournament secured a £19,000 donation from tournament title sponsors Betfred to Prostate Cancer UK.
Willett selected Prostate Cancer UK as the official charity of the tournament, with the UK-based bookmaker pledging to donate £1,000 for every birdie and £2,000 for every eagle Willett made during his four rounds directly to the charity.
The 33-year-old had secured £9,000 by the halfway stage after nine birdies in his opening two rounds and added a further £10,000 to the total with seven birdies on Friday and three more during Saturday’s final round.
Willett is a long-term supporter of Prostate Cancer UK and chose the charity after hearing of the inspiring work of fellow Yorkshireman John Brownless, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004. Brownless has raised more than £50,000 for the charity over the last seven years by organising golf days in England and Spain.
Willett sports the ‘Man of Men’ badge on his golf bag as he shows his support to Brownless and the 400,000 affected by prostate cancer in the United Kingdom – raising awareness of the disease across the globe.
“It is a good feeling to raise the money for charity,” said Willett. “I tried to get that eagle on 17 for a cheeky little bonus. It’s very generous that Betfred offered to support the cause and I’m delighted to have raised £19,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. I hope that people will have seen the Man of Men badge out on the golf course this week and it will encourage them to find out more about the charity and to become more knowledgeable of a disease which affects one in eight men.”
Nicola Tallett, Director of Fundraising & Supporter Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Danny Willett for picking Prostate Cancer UK as his charity of choice for the Betfred British Masters and we thank him for his fantastic efforts on and off the course over the four days of the tournament – and in the build-up too.
“Earlier in the week we were delighted to link Danny up with our tireless supporter John Brownless, whose brilliant efforts in golf have raised significant funds and saved many lives too. It was John whose story inspired Danny to support us, so we are hugely proud of them both.”