LOUD cheers resonated through The Oaks Golf Club as “one of their own” soared to European Tour prominence.

Danny Willett came mighty close to posting one of the greatest triumph of his career as he led the BMW PGA Championship – the European Tour’s marquee event – for the first three days at Wentworth.

Going into the final round he was within touching distance of the famed trophy before his challenge tailed off.

But that did not stop the 21-year-old from pocketing almost 200,000 euros from an impressive fifth place that also rocketed him to position 100 in the new world golf rankings.

Willett may well hail from south Yorkshire, Sheffield to be precise, but he is regarded as part of the fixture and fittings at the impressive complex at the Aughton Common-based club.

For the past six years his talent has been nurtured by coach Graham Walker, a former successful European Tour pro, who is the head professional at The Oaks.

Walker is delighted by his protégé’s progress, a thrill shared by the members at The Oaks, who saluted every skilful Willett shot in last Sunday’s final round on the exacting West course at Wentworth.

Said Walker: “There was a lot of excitement in the club. Everyone was cheering Danny on and we nearly cracked the champagne open.

“However, it has had to go back on ice, but I am sure it will be cracked open for Danny.”

Besides developing the youngster’s latent talent – when he arrived in 2004 his handicap was two, within three years he was down to plus 65 and the number one ranked amateur in the world – Walker has also helped to initiate a radical change in approach this year.

“What we have worked on more is having more time away from tournaments, so that he can prepare himself properly and pick up the tempo in time for a big event like he did at Wentworth,” said the Oaks head pro.

“After Wentworth he decided to miss this week’s Madrid Masters an instead come back here and work on his game in readiness for next week’s Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

“It’s making sure that he is prepared to play well.

“And we are all pleased here at The Oaks at how well he is shaping up.”

ALLERTHORPE Park GC still have a few spaces left for this year’s Pro Am, which is being run in association with the Yorkshire PGA. The event is on Wednesday, June 30, and costs £210 per team, which includes a post-round meal.

The Pro-Am format is best two scores to count from four and the maximum handicap is 24 for men, 30 for ladies. Teams are to consist of three amateur golfers and one professional.

For more information phone Allerthorpe’s head professional James Drinkall on 01759 306686 or email him at proshop@allerthorpeparkgolfclub.com PLAYING on his home Fulford GC course, Robin Garland won the 29th annual St Leonard’s Hospice tournament with 43 stableford points after edging out York GC’s Bob Kirk on the back nine.

The day realised £10,500 towards the hospice appeal for which more than £200,000 has been raised by the event since it was first held.

FOREST Park GC’s Committee Cup was won by Keith Brazil, who finished two stableford points ahead of his nearest rival, Dave Russell.