US Masters: Physio set for return with champion Danny Willett

A physiotherapist has reflected on what he described as a ridiculous year as he prepares to help a world-class golfer attempt to defend one of the game’s major titles.

It is almost a year since Mr Paul Farquharson, 50, of Foston, helped Danny Willett become the US Masters golf champion at the Augusta National course.

Mr Farquharson is preparing to again travel with the Sheffield golfer to one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments as Willett looks to retain his crown. The four-day event event begins on April 6.

Mr Farquharson, who runs Spectrum Physiotherapy in Newark, helped Willett overcome a back injury to put his name in the record books as the first British winner at the tournament in 20 years.

He has been working with Willett for five years and, after a life-changing 2016 for both of them, he believes that success could again be just around the corner.

“I think Danny is in better shape now than he was a year ago,” he said.

“He has always been a fit guy and we have been working hard ahead of this one.

“At the very top level it becomes just as much about mental fitness.

“He has the talent but with everything going on last year he probably did end up with a bit of mental fatigue.

“I think he is ready and on the verge of doing something really good once again.

“At the majors there is more to it than just being the best golfer ­— you need to have a bit of luck as well.”

'A little bit more pressure'

Mr Farquharson reflected on a year during which he also accompanied Willett to the Ryder Cup and Olympic Games.

He said the attention surrounding himself and the rest of Willett’s team did not die down until Christmas.

“It still feels surreal. It’s made a big imprint on my brain and I still remember every shot from when the scoreboard ticked over and put Danny in the lead,” he said.

“I feel like I have been in a ridiculous position since the Masters.

“There has been a little bit more pressure.

“Once you have reached the top it’s always a lot harder to stay there. It is almost like you are looking for things to alter.

“I have certainly been a lot more tired over the past year.”

After a career in the RAF, Mr Farquharson trained in Bristol to become a physiotherapist before joining the Army.

He served in Bosnia and Kosovo, and headed a rehabilitation unit at Catterick, North Yorkshire, where he helped injured soldiers.

Mr Farquharson also works with other golfers, including British Ladies’ Amateur champion Sophie Lamb and British Men’s Amateur champion Jamie Bower.

Other clients include 14-year-old sprint star Amy Hunt, of Newark, and world champion water-skier Rob Hazelwood, of Lincoln.