Willett ready for '˜funky' Maybank Championship test

The Sheffield golfer enjoyed three days without golf after winning the Dubai Desert Classic, spending time at home with pregnant wife Nicole and dog Spike.

And he is feeling refreshed heading into what he expects to be a tricky Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

“I had a good bit of time off last week just chilling with Nic and the little dog,” Willett said.

“It was back to work on Thursday and then I had a full weekend’s work.

“I flew out to Malaysia on Monday and it’s back to the grind I guess.

“Because I’ve not done much and put the clubs down for a few days, the feel is neither here nor there.

“It’s about putting the work in here before the start to make sure you’re prepared.”

The 28-year-old has been impressed by the Royal Selengor course.

And he says accuracy off the tee will be vital to handle the conditions.

He said: “It’s a funky golf course.

“It’s going to be interesting. I’m not quite sure what the scoring is going to be like coming round.

“The greens are a little bit firm, there’s a few tight, quirky tee shots that you’re going to have to take on.

“You’re going to have to drive well.

“It’ll be interesting to see how the guys cope.

“I would like to see the scoring reasonably decent, around ten, 14 under to win if the course stays firm.”

Fellow Sheffield golfer Matt Fitzpatrick also took time off last weekend as he looks to spark his year into life.

The 21-year-old finished in a tie for 45th at the Dubai Desert Classic after missing the cut at the Qatar Masters the previous week.

He said: “I did some work last week with my coach and got it back on track so it was the first time I’d played for a couple of days on Tuesday.

“It’s nice to be back out.”

Fitzpatrick tees off for his first round at 12.10am on Thursday alongside European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke.

Willett is out at 5am alongside top Asian player Thongchai Jaidee and South African former Open winner Louis Oosthuizen.