Danny Willett stakes RYDER CUP CLAIM with great start to D+D Czech Masters

Danny Willett reached the top of the leaderboard on day one of the D+D Czech Masters, shooting 4-under-par at the Albatross Golf Resort.

The 2016 Masters champion finished in a tie for 33rd at The Open Championship and he got off to a great start in Prague with three birdies in his first six holes.

Things could have been so much better for Willett as after making birdies on the 11th, 12th and 15th holes, he made a damaging double-bogey on the par-4 17th hole.

On the par-5 9th hole, which was the 33-year-old's final hole of the day, he managed to reach the green which was over 600 yards from the tee box, which was a highlight of his round.

Over 600 yards in two hits @Danny_Willett #CzechMasters pic.twitter.com/FpaEbgghzG

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 19, 2021

Willett signed for a score of 68 to tie the current lead alongside Adrian Meronk and the American Paul Peterson, one shot ahead of a whole host of players on 3-under-par.

The man from Sheffield will need a good finish at the D+D Czech Masters or a victory, which would be his 8th on the European Tour, if he is to force his way into Padraig Harrington's plans.

Willett is currently 18th on the worlds point list for Ryder Cup qualification and will probably need to rely on a captain's pick if he is to play for Europe at Whistling Straits in September.

After having a great season in 2016 when he won his first major title, Willett qualified to play for Team Europe at Hazeltine but they were beaten  17-11 by America.

NEXT PAGE: NELLY KORDA HITS THE FRONT ON DAY ONE OF AIG WOMEN'S OPEN