Danny Willett Wins 2021 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Danny Willett Wins the 2021 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

 

 

FIFE, SCOTLAND - Sundays at the Old Course are always the site of something special. 

This year, it was the host of a stellar performance by Englishman Danny Willett, who has won the 2021 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with a score of 18-under. He wins by two strokes over 54-hole leader Tyrrell Hatton and Joakim Lagergren.

 

This is the 2016 Masters Champion's first win in two years, his last since winning the 2019 BMW PGA Championship. With this win, he shoots up to 23rd in the Race to Dubai Rankings, up 103 places from 126th. It also happened to be Willett's 34th birthday on Sunday.

 

Willett kicked off his final round quickly at the Old Course, carding four birdies and a bogey on the front nine to shoot a 33; a classic case of playing well and putting pressure on others to catch up. His back nine was much quieter though, making all pars save a lone birdie on the 10th hole. 

It was an excellent display of links golf by Willett all week. Many can remember the difficulty that Willett faced in his career in the aftermath of his 2016 Masters win. It is great to see Willett back on the world stage again and winning, given the quality player he is.

 

Notable finishes include Richard Bland, who just five months removed from his first European Tour win was gaining momentum during his final round and challenging for yet another win. He finished T4 at 16-under. 

 

HISTORY MADE IN DUNHILL LINKS PRO-AM

In the 20th edition of the event, history has been made on the pro-am side of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Michael Hoey and amateur Maeve Danaher, both of Irish heritage, have won the pro-am with a score of 36-under. In doing so, Danaher becomes the first female amateur golfer to win the pro-am at the Dunhill Links. 

Danaher plays to a 22-handicap and plays most of her golf at Adare Manor Golf Club in Ireland, 2027 host of the Ryder Cup. She is also married to Gerry McManus, member of the McManus family which has been a staple at the Dunhill Links for many years.

 

Hoey himself is no stranger to winning at the Old Course, having won the professional side of the event back in 2011.

HOW DID OUR PICKS FINISH?

 

1) Shane Lowry: T4 at 15-under

2) Pablo Larrazabal: CUT

3) Billy Horschel: T36 at 6-under

Lowry was on a hot streak similar to Willett on the front nine on Sunday, but he too cooled off on the back nine. It is great to see him continuing his high quality of golf. Horschel was in the mix for a bit on Saturday but shot even par on his final round. Better luck next time to Larrazabal as well, who could not find his rhythm all week. 

***

That wraps up our coverage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Again, us fans were treated to an excellent display of links golf at some truly special and historic courses. The more I watch this event, the more I fall in love with links golf. 

Our coverage moves across the pond to Las Vegas, Nevada next week for the 2021 Shriners Children's Open hosted by TPC Summerlin. 

 

Stay tuned for our preview and picks,

-Nick

Toronto Golf Reviews