BREAKING into the world’s top 50 must be the new focus of European Tour star Danny Willett, says his East Yorkshire-based coach, after he finally broke his tournament hoodoo.

Graham Walker, head professional at The Oaks Golf Club in Aughton, believes the 24-year-old can kick on following his victory in the BMW International in Germany last week – which came after a four-hole play-off.

Walker, who first met Willett as a youngster competing in the Yorkshire intermediate boys’ squad, has guided the Sheffield player to 19 top-ten finishes in his four years on the tour.

He was delighted to see him finally break his duck, and grab his maiden victory, after defeating Marcus Fraser in sudden death and believes Willett’s work ethic and his mental strength ensures a bright future in the game.

Willett lines up in the Irish Open starting tomorrow and, speaking from Royal Portrush, Walker, one of the country’s top 25 coaches, said: “It was great for him to get the monkey off his back. He has worked really, really hard over the last few years to get to the stage where his game would push on.

“He is always trying to improve. His short game is always excellent, his scoring average is great and he has a lot of confidence to go for his shots. He can go for the ones that others won’t necessarily. He’s worked really hard on his fitness and is in great shape. I said to him at the start of the year to stay out of his own way and give himself opportunities.”

He added: “He has a great sportsman’s attitude. He loves winning and competing. Danny comes to see me a week before a tournament and we spend at least part of two days together working on pitching, putting and chipping, on all parts of his game.

“He’s got a great work ethic and has the ability to get more out of himself. It was just a case of keeping him playing well.”

Walker revealed he deliberately made practice tougher for Willett in the run up to his victory and thinks it is the mental challenge that will allow his charge to achieve some lofty ambitions.

“Danny is setting goals,” he said. “He is 115th in the world, the next one is the top 100 and that gets you into the PGA Championship. He wants to work his way into the top 50 and is trying to get the consistency that will take him there.

“I met him a couple of weeks ago and looked to challenge him harder.”